Album Notes

Elliot Holden has a hard time remembering when he didn't play guitar. For the past 14 years, the Augusta native has shredded in numerous bands, including First Born, the trip-hop outfit that made its name touring with G. Love and Special Sauce. But now, the imaginative virtuoso is on his own, building a name for himself in the often treacherous world of booking, management and promotions. His sonic mastery on the guitar has landed him opening gigs with the
Derek Trucks Band, Col. Bruce Hampton, and The Dirty Dozen
Brass Band. "Now I'm doing my own thing," he said. "We pretty much play every place we can." Holden has brought his brand of instrumental rock fusion to audiences young and old. So far, he said, fans seem to be digging it. "I write all my own material," he said. "It's rock with a jazz thing happening inside of it." One of the reasons for a growing fan base is Holden's distinctive sound. Harking back to
the pure rock days of Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson, Holden presentsa rich palate of neo-classical and jazzy metal sonorities on his self-released debut record. "We Be Delicious" is at times light and fanciful and at others robust and earthy. Complex, colorful harmonies complement penetrating and acrobatic melodic lines, without a sense
of showing off. Holden's command of his instrument is impressive, if not stunning.

By John Stoehr
For the Savannah Morning News