Layonne Holmes - The Motor City Revue - New Standard Jazz Quintet
Keyport, New Jersey, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
“The most inspirational and uplifting performance...”
“A capella never sounded so good.”
“Rain brought the house down.”
“Accompanied by their ultratight
band, these first ladies of
everything rock, pop, soul and gospel ruled the day with
sensational renditions…”
“The women of Rain were unsurpassed in their efforts and
once again proved to all those in attendance why they are
fast becoming the “queens of the local scene.” This was a
classic performance, a well thought out and unbeatable mix
of rock, pop, soul and gospel, presented in a way that not only
touched your soul, but at times brought a tear to your eye.”
– Two River Times, 10/6/2006 - Two River Times, Oct. 6, 2006
"...Holmes was super-versatile. She sang with abandon on Dusty Springfield's 'I Only Want to Be With You' and 'Wishin' and Hopin' during the first set and delivered a solid rendering of Springfield's 'Son of a Preacher Man during the second half of the concert." - Asbury Park Press, Feb 20, 2007
"...Layonne a monster on vocals..."
"Layonne gave me chills..."
"And as good as the band was, Layonne Holmes was even better. Simply put, Layonne Holmes was brilliant. She totally stole the show each and every time she stepped up to the microphone with her haunting interpretations of Dusty Springfield's hits."
- The Two River Times, Mar. 2, 2007
"Singer Layonne Holmes was particularly impressive on her powerhouse version of The Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody To Love,"..."
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/music/index.ssf/2008/12/springsteen_bon_jovi_and_frien.html - The Star Ledger, Dec. 23, 2008
Discography
Session vocalist, click here for credits: http://www.layonne.com/credits.html
http://www.layonne.com/hear.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQEVaHb6RdE&feature=player_embedded
Photos
Bio
Layonne Holmes (The Motor City Revue, New Standard Jazz Quintet) is a vocalist with range from funk and soul, to jazz and blues and rock & roll. With family gospel groundwork, Layonne has continually pursued her love of all genres. She has stage and studio experience and continues to broaden her horizons by working with a variety of talented musicians. "I always try to challenge myself and continue to learn more and more."
Layonne has been doing just that with her latest project, The Motor City Revue. Not your ordinary Motown Band, the 10-piece band covers popular and rare Motown hits, plus rock and soul classics -- striving for an authentic sound that's very danceable and a lot of fun. This New Jersey-based group is made up of seasoned musicians with extensive experience in premier jazz festivals, stages and sessions, adding solid musicianship and appreciation for the music.
In addition she performs a tribute to Great Jazz Ladies with the eclectic New Standard Jazz Quintet, honoring music made famous by some of the greatest vocalists ever to grace the stage: Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone. The show is quickly gaining recognition from jazz lovers seeking a classical performance of songs from the American Songbook.
Layonne also has a diverse solo career, performing a wide range of material with Bob Bandiera's Jersey Shore Rock-n-Soul Revue concerts at the Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank, NJ), the State Theatre (New Brunswick, NJ) and the State Theater (Easton, PA), with a long, impressive list of musical talent.
Layonne can also be found singing a wide range of American music with Tim McLoone & The Shirleys, as well as singing and volunteering with Holiday Express, the New Jersey Shore-based non-profit that brings music, supplies, financial support and goodwill to those in great need.
Previously Layonne founded RAIN, a female-fronted band including her mother, former Springsteen backing vocalist Delores Holmes, and friend Debbie Vaughn. RAIN's fusion of soul, jazz, R&B, rock and gospel pleased varied audiences and venues with classic soul and neo-soul material. Layonne's originals were also woven into this tapestry of revisioned classics.
Also an experienced studio session singer, Layonne recorded for Fernando Saunders of Lou Reed Band, Vini Lopez of Steel Mill, The late Danny Federici and Bill Chinnock, Steve Delopoulos and John DeGrazio of Burlap to Cashmere, Matt O'Ree, The Soul Project, and many others. Layonne was also a member of Love Among Freaks (of Clerks movie fame) and sang on the band's full-length album. She and her mother backed Bruce Springsteen on the internationally-televised 9/11 Tribute to Heroes Telethon and appear on the album of the same name.
This combined history has allowed Layonne to share the stage with Beth Nielson Chapman, Phoebe Snow, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Darlene Love, Southside Johnny, and Gary US Bonds, among others.
Layonne's voice is smoky and soulful, mature and compelling. She recognizes the importance of music that tells a story, heals, uplifts and focuses on the positive. As a songwriter (ASCAP) you'll find these themes in her lyrics. Live stage and studio experience, sweet and soulful, gritty and powerful, remembering the past and looking to the future.
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