Michael Holt and the Trophy 500's
Austin, Texas, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
This is translated from the german online publication Wasser-Prawda.de by Nathan Norgel. Next to New Orleans, Austin has one of the best music scenes with a great variety of bands and musicians that play just about any style. Above all, there is much respect for Texas traditions. The blues talent in the current scene shouldn’t be underestimated. Michael’s guitar work calls to mind the likes of T-Bone Walker and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown mixed in with jazz and swing. Along with his Trophy 500’s the album is immersed in the sounds of the 50’s and 60’s. This vibe brings the album as a whole together, shifting between blues, swing and rockabilly influences. “Zero Miles to Empty” is highly recommended for all fans of these genres. Members of Reverbnation can become a fan of Michael Holt and download his songs for free. Otherwise they are for sale on his website. If you don’t check it out, you’ll truly miss out on an excellent and entertaining retro-blues album!
Translation provided by Hans Wax. - Wasser-Prawda.de
Michael Holt & the Trophy 500's play a muscular style of blues that also combines rockabilly swing and elements of hard rock as well. The band consists of Holt (guitar and vocals), Randall Stockton (harmonica), Brandon Gonzales (bass), and Kevin Wright (percussion). These guys play with a fast and furious intensity and their recent EP release, Boogalu’ (self-released) is an excellent capsule summary of their sound.
The EP consists of five tracks, four originals plus a fiery cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Dimples.” The other songs are also high energy, with the opening track, “To The River,” being the standout of the originals, but the rest of the tracks don’t disappoint. Holt is a very good singer and guitarist, and the Trophy 500's provide exceptional support.
Boogalu’ is a solid, but short set of hard rocking blues and roots music that will get your blood pumping and your feet moving. The band has a full length CD in the works. Based on this EP, it will definitely be worth checking out. This EP is available at www.cdbaby.com, Amazon, and the band’s website, www.michaelholt.info.
--- Graham Clarke - Blues Bytes
Couldn't resist. Belly Dancing at The Saxon Pub. - Michael Holt
Press review of show with Michael Holt and The Trophy 500's opening for Devon Allman. - DO512
Shots of Michael Holt and The Trophy 500's and John Nemeth - San Antonio Blues Society
Listen to great radio shows, DJ mixes and Podcasts featuring the song ““Oilfield Blues” (from “Zero Miles to Empty“)” by Mike Holt and The Trophy 500's - Mixcloud
Toe tappin' great ride. Vocals are great, love the harmonica too!Where are you recording and what kind of venues are you typically playing?
over 3 years ago
Blues served just as it should be. Great sound, absolutely just what blues should be. Barry - Lafango
Michael Holt moved to Austin Texas and started writing and playing songs influenced by a lifetime of hotrods, girls, blues, rock and roll, tattoo's, motorcycles, semi trucks, oilfield work, rednecks, big band swing and any other form of nostalgia you might think of.
Why this name?
I work on and ride british motorcycles
Do you play live?
I play all over austin and regionally. Will be overseas next year. Playin with Pine Top Perkins this year was a highlight.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
Verdict is not in for me about this yet. Still exploring and researching.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
I might. It depends on the company and the deal. I would be interested in a distribution deal from a major I think but wouldn't rule anything out.
Your influences?
Hound Dog Taylor, Buddy Guy, T-bone Walker, Lightnin Hopkins, Jimmie Vaughn, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Jesse Taylor, Big band swing, Rock and Roll.
Favorite spot?
Austin Texas
Equipment used:
1955 L-1 Kay, 1962 Harmony Rocket, 1958 Harmony Hollywood, Laney VC-30, Marshall 4145, 4x10 cab. - Soundclick
Iam glad to see you hit no.1 on this won.This time,It should ,Have been last time,I love this song,Best of luck to you Maybe someday or paths will, cross And will Rip one together!zofo - Ourstage
Review from Graham Clark
Michael Holt & the Trophy 500’s play a muscular style of blues that also combines rockabilly swing and elements of hard rock as well. The band consists of Holt (guitar and vocals), Randall Stockton (harmonica), Brandon Gonzales (bass), and Kevin Wright (percussion). These guys play with a fast and furious intensity and their recent EP release, Boogalu’ (self-released) is an excellent capsule summary of their sound.
The EP consists of five tracks, four originals plus a fiery cover of John Lee Hooker’s "Dimples." The other songs are also high energy, with the opening track, "To The River," being the standout of the originals, but the rest of the tracks don’t disappoint. Holt is a very good singer and guitarist, and the Trophy 500’s provide exceptional support.
Boogalu’ is a solid, but short set of hard rocking blues and roots music that will get your blood pumping and your feet moving. The band has a full length CD in the works. Based on this EP, it will definitely be worth checking out. This EP is available at www.cdbaby.com, Amazon, and the band’s website, www.michaelholt.info.
- Blues Bytes magazine
Discography
Zero Miles To Empty - V-8 Records
Photos
Bio
Texas guitar Icon Michael Holt has blended the elements of Texas R&B with big band swing in a way that brings the style back in the vein of rock and roll that is an incredible powerhouse!
“There is a heritage here in Texas that I refuse to let die.” “There were guitar players that came out of the forties, fifties, and sixties here that pushed the limits combining rhythm and blues, jazz, big band, rock and roll, all of it.” “That is the period of Texas music that I gravitate naturally toward.” “It is in this I find the expression of freedom for this band.” “I have freedom to write songs that are current and timeless at the same time. They sit right in the middle of history in a way that amazes me!”
Michael’s blistering guitar work, soaring vocals and horn section are backed by a stellar rhythm section of upright bass, piano, and drums that give The Trophy 500’s a muscular live show that is truly exciting! The boundaries have been redefined no doubt about it. Michael and the band push the limits at every performance making it a personal experience for all in attendance.
Michael Holt is a V-8 Records recording artist and is currently touring in support of his newly released album Zero Miles To Empty. Michael performed in Sturgis South Dakota as the house band for Victory and Indian Motorcycles for 2012 and was a featured artist at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for five nights opening for Sublime with Rome the last night of the rally. Michael is currently doing solo shows for Victory Motorcycles at select cities for the International Motorcycle Show.
If you would like to book Michael for events and shows for 2013 you can do so through the management team. Michael is available for personal appearances, solo shows, and has the ability to tailor the band to work in any setting needed. Please let us know what we can do make your next show, festival, corporate event, or whatever party you might have going on an event to remember with Michael Holt and The Trophy 500's!
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