Chappell & Dave Holt
are singer/songwriters offering an unusual musical statement – a crossroads where jazz, blues, folk & gospel meet, music that is often hard to classify.
Dave Holt studied piano at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory. The 60’s brought rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz and a move to Northern California, while honing his songwriting skills. A veteran of bands, touring, recording, and accompanist to singers (an old collaboration with singer/songwriter Pamela Polland can be found on Youtube.) He later earned an SFSU BA and Master’s in Creative Writing. Dave is a published, award-winning poet, The Thomas Merton Poetry of the Sacred, the Maggi Meyer Poetry Prize, is often in demand to read and perform his poetry accompanied by his drum, and sometimes Chappell on guitar. His books are Voyages to Ancestral Islands: Poems & Prose; My Dreaming Waking Life/Six Poets Sixty-six Poems; Spillway Magazine #17; Online magazine examiner.com.
Chappell Rose Holt, the daughter of a minister, grew up singing gospel music, frequent moves took her Navy family to San Diego. With a guitar, dulcimer, and autoharp she left for Northern California in 1971 inspired by the new singer/song-writers and the soulfulness of jazz. She began to explore merging poetry with music in songwriting. Chappell co-wrote and recorded the soundtrack for Dewitt Jones’ film, The New England of Robert Frost, and was a frequent recording back up-singer and performer in groups and solo. She is an artist, a professional seamstress, and designer.
Together Chappell & Dave have written songs and performed for over 30 years in clubs, festivals, events and concerts.
What the reviewers say:
"...a group that played with the energy and professionalism you'd expect to hear at Carnegie Hall."
Anna Boothe
Pacifica Tribune
...
Thank you so much for performing at the Rivertown Art Center in June, and again in
August of this year. Your concerts have been big hits with the Antioch community!
Many folks in the audience tap their toes and sing along to your tasteful
interpretations of favorite jazz standards. Your original tunes are a real crowdpleaser,
too, blending humor and storytelling with fresh, creative musical
expression. The inventive variety of your program, along with the warmth and
energy of your performance make for a thoroughly enjoyable musical evening.
We look forward to having you back soon!
Sincerely,
Nancy Roberts
Curator
Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch
...
A Steinway Baby Grand piano was Dave Holt's instrument. Chappell had her guitar and Autoharp, as Dave and Chappell sang and sang.
Those of us who've known and heard the Holts over the years would be delighted with the professional, smooth, vigorous, gracious music that had the audience whooping, clapping, and appreciating everything they did, while asking for more.
Stephen Zendt
Golden Gate Circle
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