Joe's 2012 Video Channel Now Open.

I started posting on YouTube in 2007, and have added a new channel each year. The original channel (joeholtsnotes) has become a "highlights" channel, where (often) one selection from each recorded event is posted. The remaining selections are posted on the "annual" channel, and then organized into playlists (where all the posted video from a performance is accessible with one click). Having the annual channels keeps it less convoluted (for me, anyway), and better documents the "evolution". Embedded above is the first post of my 2012 channel: a "wandering mind" version of "Puttin' on the Ritz", taken from the performance at 49 West on January 14. I think you'll agree this shows an evolution. Also brings to mind the quote from Jim McGann's review last year: "It is an understated cliché to define Holt’s playing as the mouse in the maze hunting for the elusive piece of cheese." Click here for Joe's 2012 YouTube channel.

"He's Steppin' Out" in 2012

Here's a funny photo of Brian Whitaker and I from 2004, right about the time he came on board as my comic partner (replacing Jimmy Lawlor, who appears on the 'He's Steppin' Out" CD) for live performances of He's Steppin' Out". Since then, it's been an ebb and flow of performances, sometimes with long spaces in between. Throughout this time, though, there has been a tacit kind of "keeping the faith" about it all, along with a general sense of just rolling with it. There has also been an undercurrent throughout this life of this project of it's inherent value and timeless application. It doesn't rely on riding a popular trend, rather, at the right time, (I continue to believe) it will create it's own (trend). It remains, now, as it has been since Brian came on board: one performance at a time. This Sunday, January 29th, 2012, we will present "He's Steppin' Out" at the Leonardtown (MD) Church of the Nazarene, at 6pm. Our new theme is "Joe want to perform a piano concert for you ... but Brian has other plans". Looking forward to a fun evening (and more to come)!

Shore Jazz back in Lewes, DE

Shore Jazz found a home in Lewes DE (where John Ewart and Mike McShane both live), and a loyal (and substantial) following with a nearly 2 year run at Beseme'. In the post-Beseme' era (and the "no place like home" department), we hope to see our friends (back in Lewes) at Jerry's Seafood as we join the music calendar for one Friday a month starting on Jan 20 (other dates are 2/17, 3/23, 4/20), from 6 to 9pm. Mike, John and I will be there. Will you?

New Video Playlist - St Margarets Church - 7/24/11

Getting going with the catch up process of video posting. Last July, I performed for the first time at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Annapolis, MD, for a "recital" (technically, not part of their concert series). It went very well, and James Fitzpatrick invited me back on April 23 of this year, as a part of their 2012 series. Check it out here. This is the concert that was webstreamed (watch the archive here). At the same time, Steve Payne recorded the first 30 minutes on a higher quality tape. From the tape, I was able to grab 4 complete posts, which comprise this playlist. Thanks James, and Steve!

Now Available on CD Baby

Something new this year (thanks to Joe Jr's efforts when helping me last year) are digital downloads; now available on 3 of my recordings hosted on CD Baby. It's a strange time for the music industry, as ever (and more rapidly) changing technology challenges the realm of commerce. I, personally, think that the hard copy CD will be around for a long time. There is no denying, though, that downloadable mp3's (much smaller files) have become mainstream, especially among young people. So for all you yougsters out there (whatever your age), check out my CD Baby Artist page, then take me with you in your I-Pod (or some other thingomajiggets).