Willkommen auf meiner Webseite j-holmes@t-online.de

Mr. John R. Holmes Composer, Song writer, Arranger and Musician

Biography

I was born in England in 1942.

Joined the British Army at the age of 16 as a Bandboy in the KSLI a Light Infantry Regiment.

Went to Kneller Hall (The Royal Military Schule Of Music ) at the age of 17 as a Student.

in 1964 I left Germany and was stationed in Plymouth for two years and played Piano in a jazz club in the evening  not far from the coast

In 1965 I Left the army in Plymouth and returned to Germany where I was Posted previously.

After a few years playing in american clubs and holiday resorts in the south of Germany as a free lancer I Formed my own Big Band and Jazz Combo in 1976. Both Bands still exist and have regulare Concerts all over Germany.

In 1986 I formed, with my dear wife Susanne and  the help of very good friends, a Jazz Club (Jazz interessen- gemeinschaft Soest (JIGS) in the ancient town of  Soest west Germany where I live.

The idea was to give local amateur jazz Bands the opportunity to perform on a regular basis. Over a period of time we ran out of local bands. The next obvious thing to do was to engage, through an Agency, international Bands that were on tour in Germany.

Names like Chris Barber, Babara Dennerlin, Dutch Swing College Band, Engsfeld Plume Weis, Sylvia Droste, Lillian Boutte, just to mention a few, performed regulary in our local Jazz Club Anno 1888.

The Jazz Club celebrated its 25th anniversary two years ago in 2011 and is still very active.

In 1994 I started writing Music for Musicals, all together 10 Productions, which were very succesful in our local town of Soest.

I have written hundreds of songs in the last 50 years consisting of Jazz. fusion, Ballads, commercial jingles Musicals and music for the medieval production Soester Fehde.

If you want to hear some of my music, you can download them from online shops The links to the folowing CDs are on my page called "My Albums".

  1. It`s Naver Too Late 
  2. John Holmes And His Music
  3. Conny Weber
  4. It`s Never Too Late
  5. John Holmes And His Music Volume 2
  6. Elisa Müller A Certain Smile
  7. "Left Alone" Featuring John Holmes on Tenorsax.
  8. "TRUST ME" Susan
  9. WHEN THE MAGIC FADES
  10. "BACK TO THE ROOTS" by John Holmes
 

Although I am 75 years old I still Teach music, write songs and run two bands.

I am an allround musician I play Saxophone, Flute, Keyboard, Guitar and I sing a little bit.

I love jazz, especially Bebop, Swing and Fusion ect. My favourite Musicians are

the late Charly Parker Dexter Gordon, Micheal Brecker and Osca Peterson ect.

But I also love Pop and Film music,  I´m a great fan of

Shakira, Silbermond, Kelly Clarkson, Sarah Connor, Diana Krall, the late Whitney Houston, ect.

and Musicals.

Cats, Annie Get Your Gun, Carousel, A Chorus Line, Evita,Gigi, My Fair lady, West Side Story The Sound Of Music ect.

I am also continuously looking for Singers to sing my Songs. or Producers looking for music for their Productions for Films, Musicals, Shows and live Performances ect.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

John Holmes

j-holmes@t-online.de

 

 

 

 

This is The "John Holmes Big Band" A Concert in March this year 2012
John Holmes Combo on tour
The Big Bands first publik perfomance was on monday the 4th of July 1977. A lot has happend since then, Mobile Phones, Computers, mp3 players, CD players, were non existent. Petrol was only 0.22 DM per Litre, Soest was a Garison Town. I still had a black and white Television with only three Programs and an aerial on the roof, the Comercials (Werbung) were very short and not longer than the Film, like it is now. East Germany was still locked away behind the iron curtain. You had to be able to play a Keyboard, it did`nt play by itself. Your Camera had to have a film in it which had to be developed. And the cube on top only flashed four times and then had to be changed. and so on...........
I met this Gentleman in New Orleans 23 years ago.He looks a bit like Charlie Parker.



We met on Burban Str. New Orleans. He was standing out side a Jazz- club. We had a short talk and then he disappeard.
I went into a club down the road. and there he was on stage playing the bass. He gave me a smile.
Three weeks later I visited a Jazz Concert in Essen, Germany and there he was again. In the break he said that he was only the replacement bass play because the other bass player was ill and could`nt go on tour.
What a Coincident!!!
I have`nt seen him since. His name is Richard Payne
The first Big Band Competition in Dortmund Germany
A Big Band Workshop with Peter Herbolzheimer A very exiting and proud experience



It was a big shock to all Big Band leaders and Jazz fans as it was announst on Television and published in all newspapers all over the world that Peter Herbolzheimer had past away. He was a very pleasant person and a brilliant Bandleader.
He died on my birthday the 27th of March in year 2010.
JOHN HOLMES 'COMBO with: Martin Sasse p. Jürgen Knautz b.Stevan Sagurna dr. Jörg Engels tr. John Holmes altsax. Jürgen Knautz ist als Kontrabassist und mit dem E-Bass ein gefragter Begleiter bei der Creme der europäischen Jazzvokalisten wie Silvia Droste, Greetje Kauffeld, Beverley Dailey, Wayne Bartlett und Knut Kiesewetter. Er spielte mit den grossen Saxofonisten Gerd Dudek, Charlie Mariano und Lee Konitz. Martin Sasse ist seit ca. 20 Jahren einer der gefragtesten Jazzpianisten Deutschlands. Seine CD-Veröffentlichungen bekommen seit Jahren weltweit beste Kritiken und sind in amerikanischen und japanischen Radio-Playlists regelmäßig ganz oben vertreten. Jörg Engels, Preise auf Landes- und Bundesebene beim Klassikwettbewerb "Jugend Musiziert", 1986–1988 Solist des LandesJazz Orchesters Hessen, 1988–1993 Solist des BundesJazzOrchesters (Ltg. Peter Herbolzheimer). 1988/89 UA von Werken der Komponisten Yann Diederichs und Alessandro Melchiorre. 1994–1996 Vorsitzender der Arbeitsgruppe Jazz der International Trumpet Guild Europe.
Jam-session with Ali Claudi Trio. Der Gitarrist und Sänger Ali Claudi, Jahrgang 1942, ist seit ca. 45 Jahren ein Begriff auf der deutschen Jazzszene, ein brillanter Solist mit melodischer Vielfalt und dem unverwechselbaren klarem Sound seiner voluminösen Gitarren. Mit 19 Jahren begann er als einer der Pioniere der Sologitarre in Deutschland mit den unterschiedlichen Formationen in Jazzclubs und Konzerten aufzutreten. Seine Bands: Der Gitarrist und Sänger Ali Claudi, Jahrgang 1942, ist seit ca. 45 Jahren ein Begriff auf der deutschen Jazzszene, ein brillanter Solist mit melodischer Vielfalt und dem unverwechselbaren klarem Sound seiner voluminösen Gitarren. Mit 19 Jahren begann er als einer der Pioniere der Sologitarre in Deutschland mit den unterschiedlichen Formationen in Jazzclubs und Konzerten aufzutreten. Seine Bands:
The J. H.Combo on German Television in the 80`s. The program was called MITTWOCHS-IN. which took place all over Germany in different Towns once a week on wednesdays. Each town had the opportunity to make publik, local historical and cultural events.
The Dutch Swing College Band in the Club "ANNO 1888"



Here are a few Photos of Bands who played in our Jazz club "ANNO 1888" Soest.
This is the original Band
The Dutch Swing 'Colege Band since then Peter, a brilliant clarinet player, died not long after this performance.
Chris Barber in action Jazz Club



He is still going strong with his famous Band.
One of his bigest hits was Ice cream (I Scream)
He told me that he hated this Song, but it made him very popular.
and so on and so on
John and Sylvia Droste Jam session in the Jazz Club "ANNO 1888"



Sylvia begann mit 14 Jahren in ihrer Schulband des Haranni-Gymnasiums Saxophon zu spielen, zunächst im traditionellen Dixieland-Stil. In den 1980er Jahren trat sie mit Bands wie der von Acker Bilk und Chris Barber, Papa Bue's Viking Jazzband oder der Dutch Swing College Band auf. 1983 war sie im Landesjugend-Jazz-Orchester von Nordrhein-Westfalen und gewann den ersten Preis bei „Jugend jazzt“. Gleichzeitig studierte sie von 1978 bis 1984 Pädagogik, Anglistik und Romanistik an der Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Small talk John and Nat Adderly



Nat never did manage to make it to our Club.
Never mind, maybe next time round.
Nat Adderley war in früher Jugend Jazzsänger, lernte mit 15 Jahren Trompete und wechselte dann zum Kornett. Ähnlich wie sein Bruder Cannonball Adderley spielte er während seiner Militärzeit in Armeebands und bekam dann 1954/55 ein Engagement in der Band von Lionel Hampton, dann bei Stan Kenton. Im Jahr 1955 erschien ein erstes Album unter eigenem Namen.
John and Chris Barber "What can you pay me"



After we had talked about the fee Chris decided to do a concert in our Club.
Open-air Concert "Jazz Am See"



This open air concert took place every year near to the lake Möhnesee, that is where the big dam is.
You remember the film "The Dam Busters"
With 1500 visiters, this concert was one of the bigest events in the area at that time.
Open-air Concert "Jazz Am See"



the stage was a big articulted truck.This allowed two Bands to play one after the other simultanously.
The Mike Reinhardt sextett in the Jazz Club "ANNO 1888"



three musicians one guitar, clever!
Babara Dennerlin Trio in Jazz Club "ANNO 1888"



Babara`s CDs wurden mit Auszeichnungen, mehrfach mit Jazz Awards und dem Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik bedacht, ihre CD "Take Off" (Verve/Universal) erreichte sogar Platz 1 der Jazz-Charts und wurde als meistverkauftes Jazz-Album gefeiert. Barbara Dennerlein gehört zum Kreis der wenigen deutschen Künstler mit internationaler Reputation. Sie präsentiert sich auf ihren Veröffentlichungen und in ihren Konzerten als kompetente Vertreterin einer neuen Generation von Jazz-Musikern und wurde dadurch zur Protagonistin ihres Instrumentes,
Chris Barber Soest school hall



Barber studierte Posaune und Kontrabass an der Londoner Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Ab 1949 spielte er Posaune in der Jazzband von Humphrey Lyttelton, bevor er im Januar 1950 selbst eine Amateurband unter dem Namen Chris Barber’s New Orleans Band gründete
Lillian Boutte in Jazz Club "ANNO 1888"



We met Lillian in New Orleans, on a Jazz Club tour.
She said that she would visit us when she is in Germany next.
As you can see she kept her word
John in action
with his modern jazz combo January 2012
A Tribute to Count Basie feat. DENNIS ROWLAND



It was an honour for me to be invited as a special guest to play with the "Tribute to Count Basie" Big Band. Many thanks to my good friend Uwe Plath, The Band Leader.
Dennis Rowland (left in the Foto) sang between 1977 and 84 with the original Count Basie Big Band.
Jamsession with Sylvia Droste Trio
John Holmes Combo mit Christian Kappe tr. Freddy Lafebvre b. Martin Sasse p. und Stevan Sagurna dr.
Weekend Workshop Concert with Peter Herbolzheimer



Nach einem Musikstudium in Nürnberg spielte Peter Herbolzheimer als Posaunist in verschiedenen Jazz-Formationen. Lange Jahre gehörte er als Posaunist auch zum Orchester von Bert Kaempfert zusammen mit Jazz-Größen wie Jiggs Whigham und Herb Geller, die er in seine Big Band, der 1969 gegründeten Rhythm Combination & Brass holte.
Conny Weber sings songs written by John Holmes



If you want to listen to Conny, Check on my links under "Conny sing Songs written by John Homes".
She`s great.
The Musical "SIMPLICISSIMUS" music John Holmes



On page two are a few Video clips from this Musical "Simplicissimus" taken on the opening night.
Tenorsax. Battle John Holmes Big Band
John Holmes Big Band
The Musical "FAIR" Music John Holmes



On page three you can see some video clips taken on the opening night of "FAIR". unfortunately there is a slight delay between music and dancing.
The Musical "Die Zweite Chance" music John Holmes



On pages 4 & 5 are some video clips of "Die Zweite Chance" taken on the opening night
A Tribute To Count Basie fet. John Holmes
The Musical "LUIGI" music John Holmes
The Musical "Peterchens Mondfahrt" Music John Holmes
Our Cast, a Photo taken on the dress- rehearsel of the Musical "FAIR"
The Big Band concert with Dennis Rowland feat. John Holmes on Altosax.
John Holmes Combo 2012
John Holmes Big Band 2012
Stevan Vogt John Holmes Combo
Big Band concert with Conny Weber Ausbildung in Gesang, Klavier, Geige, Blockflöte, Saxophon -Schulmusikstudium an der WWU Münster -Gesangsorchester Peter Janssens (ca. 15 Studioproduktionen) -„Starlight Expres“ Bochum -Musicals „Pippin“ (Fastrada), „Snoopy“ (Lucy van Pelt) , Stadttheater Münster -klassische Gesangsausbildung bei Christiane Azeta -Hamm Big Band, Groove mbH Dortmund, Wolfgang Bleibel Quartett, Blue Champagne u.a. -„Seperate Minds“ (2CD - Veröfentlichungen) -„Sarajevo Love“ , Studioproduktion, Jovel-Studios Münster mit Steffi Stefan -„Party Symphonie Orchester!“ -Musicalgalas u.a. mit Bernie Blanks -„Santa Claus Is Coming to Town“ , Weihnachtsgala mit Andreas Bieber, Kevin Weatherspoon, Rachel Slater u.a. -„Musical Hautnah“ -„Two ´n Twins“ -„SwingX“ Acapella Quartett Auftritte in Deutschland, Österreich, der Schweiz, Italien, Spanien und Dubai

"The Sky`s The Limit" Tonstudio

From left to right. my daughter Susan, me and my son-in-law Thomas.

Es lohnt sich auch uns zu besuchen. Wir beraten Sie gern und helfen bei der Liedauswahl oder instrumentaler Besetzung Ihre Band. Wie man arrangiert oder eigene Songs schreibt. Wir troansponieren Ihre Playbacks in der richtigen Tonart passend zu Ihrer Stimme.

Alte Platten, Tonband-oder Cassetten-Aufnahmen können wir digitalisieren, also auf CD brennen.

Musik für Filme, Werbung oder Bühnenaufführungen (zB. Musicals) für Sie komponieren und arrangieren. auch Texte (Lyrics)

Wir helfen auch bei der Gestaltung Ihres CD Covers und vieles mehr.

j-holmes@t-online.de

Our Studio The Sky`s The Limit



Thomas is Studio Technician and Guitar player. He is responsible for recording, mixing-down and mastering.
Our Team Thomas, John and Susan.



John writes the songs including Lyrics and is responsible for anolog recordings of Instruments and band coaching, Arranging ect.
Visit us and sing your song.



Susan sings and is dancing coach (Choreographer) and stage performance adviser.
This is my new Album. It is available in online shops as from the 13th of December this year. I will enter the Link when I recieve it. This CD consists of Swing, Latin, Cool and fusion Jazz played and produced by me in my studio useing digital and anolog recording methods. The music is easy to follow and understand even for the listeners who my not like Jazz.The Anolog recordings (with a microphone) are Sopransax. Tenosax. Flute and Keyboard ect. Hope you like it. the Link is http://www.musicload.ch/john-holmes/left-alone/musik/album/14956861_2?xtmc=Left_Alone--music&xtcr=3
This book is also available, teaching the musician how to improvise. Consisting of jazz phrases in all 12 keys.which allows the musician with instruments in Bb, Eb and C to practice together in a group.How to Improvise over Blues, Fusion, Bebop, Rock or trad chords are just a few of the examples shown in this book. Contact me for more information. j-holmes@t-online.de
John Holmes Combo. Feat. Martin Sasse on Piano



Dear friends
this is John Holmes,
looking forward to hearing from you soon. Don`t forget to download a few of my songs or contact me per email for further information about our Studio and the musicals ect.
Keep swinging
John
j-holmes@t-online.de
please pass on my webseite Link to friends and Family. Thank you.
www.123webseite.de/JazzComposer-Arranger
Martin`s in the background peering over his piano



PS:
I am always looking for Sponsors, To support my Projects. I have enough ideas but unfortunatly it`s always the same old storey, everything costs Money.
Costumes, Props, Theater fees GEMA ect.
a never ending List.
I will never give up that`s for sure. "If at first you don`t succeed try try again" is my Motto.
You`re always welcome to Visit me on my Homepage I`ve found a new Singer she`s realy good, her name is ELISA MÜLLlER, write that down somewhere, She could make it, who knows ???
This is Elisa Müller with her first release it`s called "A Certain Smile" (Music and Lyrics J. Holmes)



"A Certain Smile" is available in online shops as from the 29. August 2012 consisting of two songs, the first song as mentioned, and the second, "Stolen Moments" She can also be heard on utube singing various cover songs. As I have already mentioned she is very talented. I`m sure that she has a good chance of making it in the International Music Scene. Good luck.
hear is the Link to online shops for Elisa`s new release. http://www.musicload.de/elisa-mueller/a-certain-smile/musik/maxi/13742202_2
Go into my Biography to activate the Link.

Eilisa Müller a jung singer has just made her first CD singing two of my songs, "A Certain Smile and "Stolen Moments". This CD can be dowloaded as from the 29th of August. in online shops I will be publishing the Link in the near future on this page. CD Cover below.

6. Jul, 2012
Schreiben Sie Hier Ihre Neuigkeiten
Aktualisieren und verändern Sie Ihre Webseite mit neuesten Informationen und Aktivitäten.

Page one:     Biography, Photos, "The Sky`s The Limit" Studio, Musical DVDs and CD Covers ect.

Page two:    Video clips from Musical  "Simplicissimus"

Annex from page two: Photo shooting, "Simplicissimus"

Page three:  Video clips from Musical  "FAIR"

Page four:     Video clips from Musical "Die Zweite Chance"  (Part one)

Page five:     Video clips from Musical "Die Zweite Chance"  (Part two)

Page six:       Video clips from "Die soester Fehde"

Page seven:   Video clips from CD Susan Holmes

Page eight:    Video clips from Big Band and Combo Concert

Page nine      SUSAN "Trust Me"

Page ten        Photos

Page eleven  My Music Productions with CD covers and links to online shops