Browse by Artist: HOLMES, JAKE

Artist:	HOLMES, JAKE
Title:	'The Above Ground Sound' of Jake Holmes
Label:	PHOENIX RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	ASH 3004CD

When U.S. folk-rock singer/songwriter Jake Holmes opened for The Yardbirds in New York in August 1967, little did he suspect that one of his songs, "Dazed And Confused," would be "commandeered" by guitarist Jimmy Page and become one of his next band's major live showpieces. The band in question is, of course, Led Zeppelin, and although The Yardbirds did incorporate the song into their live set, it is the Led Zep version that provided Holmes with his 15 minutes of fame. Mr. Page, clearly suffering from a temporary bout of amnesia, forgetfully claimed the songwriting credit himself. Holmes had done the rounds of the New York folk scene, working in bands with the likes of Tim Rose before going solo. This, his first recording, originally appeared on the Tower label in 1967. The album is considered a folk-rock masterpiece, and was described at the time as "a songwriter, three guitars and a mirror." The guitars of Holmes and Ted Irwin (later to play with Elliot Murphy, Roy Buchanan and various country singers) are the only backing for Holmes' voice and the 10 short tracks are outstanding, but especially the sparer, stripped-down original version of "Dazed And Confused."

Artist:	HOLMES, JAKE
Title:	'The Above Ground Sound' Of Jake Holmes
Label:	PHOENIX RECORDS (UK)
Format:	LP
Price:	$22.00
Catalog #:	ASH 3004LP

Previously issued on CD by Phoenix Records, now available on 180 gram vinyl. When U.S. folk-rock singer/songwriter Jake Holmes opened for The Yardbirds in New York in August 1967, little did he suspect that one of his songs, "Dazed And Confused," would be "commandeered" by guitarist Jimmy Page and become one of his next band's major live showpieces. The band in question is, of course, Led Zeppelin, and although The Yardbirds did incorporate the song into their live set, it is the Led Zep version that provided Holmes with his 15 minutes of fame. Mr. Page, clearly suffering from a temporary bout of amnesia, forgetfully claimed the songwriting credit himself. Holmes had done the rounds of the New York folk scene, working in bands with the likes of Tim Rose before going solo. This, his first recording, originally appeared on the Tower label in 1967. The album is considered a folk-rock masterpiece, and was described at the time as "a songwriter, three guitars and a mirror." The guitars of Holmes and Ted Irwin (later to play with Elliot Murphy, Roy Buchanan and various country singers) are the only backing for Holmes' voice and the 10 short tracks are outstanding, but especially the more spare, stripped-down original version of "Dazed And Confused."

Artist:	HOLMES, JAKE
Title:	A Letter To Katherine December
Label:	PHOENIX RECORDS (UK)
Format:	CD
Price:	$17.00
Catalog #:	ASH 3005CD

U.S. folk-rock singer/songwriter Jake Holmes' second album, originally released in 1968 on the Tower label. Phoenix Records' reissue of Holmes' first album, "The Above Ground Sound..." generated an amazing level of interest. Of course, the fact that the album included the original "Dazed And Confused" had quite a lot to do with it, but it soon became apparent that Holmes' music, along with the work of a number of other male singer-songwriters is enjoying a bit of a renaissance at the moment. A Letter To Katherine December is a record that many critics rate even more highly than his first. This is indeed a great follow-up; an album which easily evades the shadow of its predecessor's success and another recording that, in typical Holmes fashion, defies description. Although Rick Randle, whose bizarre bass playing was such a feature on the first album, is missing on this one, Charlie Fox's immaculate string and horn arrangements more than compensate. Holmes' eccentric songwriting is here in all its rich diversity, the sound quality is outstanding and the production standards superb. As was the case with its predecessor, A Letter... failed to achieve any real commercial impact, so Holmes switched to a more country feel for his next two releases. Obviously, he had perplexed the people at Tower Records enough by this time, and so the label cancelled his contract. Without a safety net, Holmes plunged into the world of TV commercials, which, ironically, is where he was to eventually enjoy his only real financial success. Another great album that comes highly recommended.

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