Elliot Holden

Hailing from Augusta, Georgia, this very capable power trio plays a style of instrumental rock which leans heavily on the guitar pyrotechnics of its namesake. Upon first hearing Elliot's songs, the prodigious talents Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson both come to mind. However, while it would be easy to pigeonhole Holden as a Satch or Tones clone, he's no Eddie Bush. There's a definite soulfulness to his compositions and phrasing that is reminiscent of neither of those internationally-acclaimed six-string virtuosos.

It's easy to hear the obligatory Hendrix influence in a number of his pieces, as he's well-versed in the art of the wah pedal (make no mistake ñ it is an art) and wears a blues jones proudly on his sleeve. Some have compared his style to that of middle-period Eric Clapton, but that too is off the mark. He's much closer in tone and substance to Wired-era Jeff Beck.

"We're guitar-driven instrumental fusion," Holden has said. "But we're a little bit different than your average jazz band -- a little more structured than a traditional one."

The fluid and relaxed mood with which he imbues these set pieces testifies to his familiarity with his chosen instrument. On record (and perhaps live - who knows?) he is aided by the phenomenally in-the-pocket groove of drummer Eric Hargrove ñwho may be best known for his chops in the Godfather of Soul's road band. The Elliot Holden Group has spent time opening for folks like Derek Trucks and Colonel Bruce, but now they're stepping out on their own and headlining shows throughout the region. This is intelligent and melodic music that draws the listener in and should not disappoint fans of this genre. - Connect Savannah -Jim Reed