Website
Bio
Brian is a music journalist and an interviewer of legendary and up-and-coming musicians, primarily guitarists. With the intention to enlighten others to guitar playing virtuosity, his articles and CD/DVD reviews are published regularly in print and online magazines. He also writes short stories of profound fiction, a few of which have been published as well. Rock, blues, and the melding of both are his primary areas of attention, but his interest is in many genres; including r&b, jazz, classical, folk, acoustic, new age, and all of rock’s subgenres.
Although Elvis and The Beatles had caught his interest at a young age, hearing Roy Buchanan’s haunting guitar solos for the first time lit the next spark in Brian’s musical inquisitiveness, especially within songs like “The Messiah Will Come Again” and “Pete’s Blues.” He then started listening to the likes of Eric Clapton with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. This music led him to the works of the genuine bluesmen, the iconic players who started it all.
In his articles, especially reviews and interviews, Brian writes in the lighthearted tone of a genuine music fan and enthusiast, yet from the well-informed viewpoint of someone who has been playing guitar and following the music for close to fifty years. As a Guitar International staff member and contributing editor, his articles largely cover rock and blues guitarists in relation to current news, tours, and CD/DVD releases. Besides covering established artists, discovering new talent deserving of exposure and notoriety is what he finds most satisfying.
Brian worked for the railroad in Massachusetts for many years, where the sound and atmosphere of a passing train always summoned an acoustic guitar and a blues harp. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife Nancy and their two children.
Brian’s personal website is devoted to the artists he has had the pleasure to write about, as well as many others.
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Articles
- Slash Album Review
- Evan Goodrow Band: Say It Review
- Earl Klugh Interview
- Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan – In Session Review
- Chris Poland Interview
- Robben Ford Interview
- Vivian Campbell Interview
- Dweezil Zappa Interview
- Warren Haynes Interview
- BCC2 Review
- Black Country Communion Review
- Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters “Spread the Love” Review
- Johnny A “One November Night” Review
- Mick Taylor Band “The Tokyo Concert” Review
- ZZ Top “Double Down Live” Review
- Gov’t Mule “By a Thread” Review
- Robben Ford “Soul on Ten” Review
- Joe Bonamassa “Live at Royal Albert Hall” Review
- Supergroups: Vultures, Chicks and Other Picks
- Jimmy Herring Interview
- Joe Satriani Interview
- Zakk Wylde Interview
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Brian Holland
