Pianist and songwriter E.G. Holmes has tacked a variety of genres across his music career, covering everything from singer-songwriter and adult alternative to rock, indie, jazz, blues, and more. His most recent release is titled Time to Rest – the title track of his upcoming album by the same name, set for release in April of 2021 on Bongo Boy Records – which was recorded with a massive band of over 20 people and pulls in some of the best of the genres he’s worked in for a soulful, evocative experience.
The E.G. Holmes band is expansive, and aside from Holmes himself on keys and vocals, includes the following musicians: Rob Ciccone, Scott Whedon, Mauro Clerici, Jeff Chalpan, Greg Rombal, Bill Barret, Manuel Angel Gonzalez, and Johnny Liar on guitars, Raul Del Valle, Matt Kaprelian, and Bjorn Pehrson on bass, Raul Rodriguez Jr. and Rick Berls on keys, Raul Rodriguez Jr, Rick Berls, and Mark Miller on drums, Enrico Nichelatti on violin, Ettore Lopinto on saxophone, and David Vanden Enden, Inge Van Hulle, Rick Ellis, John Ruddle, Raul Rodriguez Jr, Carolyn Hobza Grogan, Jackie Cespedes Molinary, Rob Ciccone on lead and backing vocals. This large collective comes together effectively in the music they produce, and it’s particularly clear on this most recent single that this complex combination is most definitely working for the sound Holmes is looking to create.
Piano-led, but accentuated by acoustic guitar and a driving bass line, Time to Rest starts with an intense, power-ballad feel. It begins subtly and softly and slowly opens up into a bit of a classic rock beat, sort of a Journey meets The Eagles type of sound – definitively based in rock tones, but with a softer side. It builds, but never gets too big, maintaining a relaxed but intentional feel throughout the entirety of the track. The interspersed guitar solos are a nice touch and add a great additional texture to the song.
The vocals elevate the classic rock tones in the track; they have a definitively retro feel to them, but they’re passionate and bright all the same. The lyrics carried by them are reflective of life’s biggest themes, musing on the good times and bad while learning to appreciate the ride:
“It’s the blink of an eye
From the time we are born, until the day we day
So take my hand now, you know we’ll do our best, we’ll do our best
Take my hand, take my hand, my love,
Someday, someday we’ll rest.”
This single sets a high bar for E.G. Holmes. Time to Rest is a powerful track with a universally understood message – time is fleeting, and it’s best to make the most of it. With its soaring arrangement and relatable lyrics, this is a great blend of classic and modern sounds. If the upcoming album set for release on Bongo Boy Records is anything like this single, we look forward to a full-length experience of genre-blending, exquisite production, an impressive list of players, and at the end of the day – powerful, well-written music that’s a great representation of Holmes’ skill and style.
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BELOW: Listen to Time to Rest and connect with his website and social media platforms. Please support E.G. Holmes by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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