Bob Holz - Holz-Stathis: Collaborative (2023)

Bob Holz releases Holz-Stathis: Collaborative, a definitive jazz fusion recording featuring the giants of jazz. On Bob's sixth album for MVD Audio we hear the evolution of one of jazz's most prolific artists in the last ten years. Blending jazz, funk, Latin, pop and classical, Holz-Stathis: Collaborative takes the listener on an epic journey. A journey which encompasses Bob's evolving career beginning with albums with the late Larry Coryell, Stanley Clarke and Mike Stern and now culminating with a 2023 release that's sure to garner widespread attention. The new album features the first recording in decades utilizing the talents of Mahavishnu Orchestra alumni John McLaughlin, Jean Luc Ponty and Ralphe Armstrong. Holz's musical expression of the pain incurred by the world during the pandemic is brought to forefront on World Turned Upside Down. Contrasting is Make Me Smile, a tune originally recorded by Chicago. Here Holz utilizes the vocal talents of Elliot Yamin (American Idol) and Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones to deliver a refreshingly modern rendition of the classic Chicago track. In August of 2022 Bob and Darryl Johnes entered Sunset Sound in Hollywood and came out with a video that is outstanding.

As a drummer, Holz has made a significant mark in the jazz world and here he expands his love of Latin jazz fusion rhythms by teaming up with Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira, Alex Acuna (Weather Report) and Joey Heredia. This album exemplifies Holz's reputation as one of the top players in jazz and fusion. The drums on this album sound amazing due to platinum recording engineer Dennis Moody's renowned drum recording techniques.

Not to neglect the horns and woodwinds, Bob brings in Randy Brecker, Brandon Fields, Ada Rovatti and David Goldberg to capture some iconic passages on this amazing fourteen track album. Other aritists on Holz-Stathis: Collaborative include Dean Brown, Ric Fierabracci, Jamie Glaser, Billy Steinway, Ben Shepherd and Diana Moreira.