1000 Volts of Holt
The Vibrate playlist has been updated to commemorate the passing, four years ago, of one of my favourite artists and a man with the smoothest voice - John Holt.
Growing up, If at least one of his songs was not played at a party, then it wasn't really a party. Seeing the adults dancing, hardly moving their feet but feeling every cell of their body was intertwined with the vibration of his voice and the bass pumping out of the stacked speakers.
Hearing the drum introduction to 'Stick by Me' takes me back to riding around in my aunt's sporty little red Ford Escort with a black trim. She would sing along and as she turned the little leather steering wheel, it all seemed to be in time with the music and I couldn't wait until I would be old enough to drive and have my music playing as loud as possible.
I don't know how it is possible but the arrangement of his music, his diction and tone make heartbreak, disappointing love, and loneliness sound so beautiful. He is not afraid to explore the spectrum of love and loss and be completely vulnerable to either. That is why John Holt is one of my favourite artists and why I love music because it continues to teach me to express and honour love, heartache, sadness, happiness, anger, joy...
Thank you Mr, Holt.