Jolie Holland

Biography

Jolie Holland is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in Houston, Texas. She emerged as a distinctive voice in the late 1990s, blending elements of folk, jazz, blues, country, and rock into a style that defies easy categorization. Holland was the founding member of The Be Good Tanyas, envisioning and naming the band, and contributing as a songwriter before departing prior to the release of their debut album, 'Blue Horse,' in 2001. Her early departure led her to pursue a solo career, beginning with the independently released album 'Catalpa' in 2003, which was later picked up by Anti Records and nominated for the Short List Music Prize by Tom Waits.

Holland’s solo work has been marked by a collage-like, poetic approach to songwriting, often drawing from a wide palette of American musical traditions. Albums such as 'Escondida,' 'Springtime Can Kill You,' and 'Wine Dark Sea' showcase her ability to channel the emotional depth and rawness of classic American song, while also experimenting with rhythm and genre. Her collaborations have included work with artists like Sage Francis, Booker T, Bad Religion, David Gray, and Buck Meek of Big Thief, the latter of whom co-wrote several tracks on her 2023 album 'Haunted Mountain.'

Throughout her career, Holland has been celebrated for her fearless emotional honesty and her refusal to be confined by genre boundaries. Her influence is felt among a new generation of songwriters, and her legacy is that of an artist who has continually pushed the boundaries of American roots music while honoring its traditions.

Fun Facts

• Jolie Holland was nicknamed 'Soup Kitchen' by author Vanessa Veselka for her habit of cooking for friends while on tour.
• She prefers being a 'sideman' and collaborating rather than being in the spotlight, despite her solo career.
• Her music often incorporates unconventional rhythms, such as the nyabinghi beat and gnawa rhythmic ideas.
• The song 'Springtime Can Kill You' was written as an apology to Samantha Parton for leaving The Be Good Tanyas.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tom Waits - Nominated Holland's debut album 'Catalpa' for the Short List Music Prize and is cited as a songwriting influence. (Catalpa) [2003]

Key Collaborators

• Samantha Parton - Co-founder and original songwriting partner in The Be Good Tanyas; reunited for the album 'Wildflower Blues.' (The Be Good Tanyas, Wildflower Blues) [1999–2001, 2017]
• Buck Meek - Co-writer and duet partner on the album 'Haunted Mountain.' (Haunted Mountain) [2023]
• Adam Brisbin - Trio member and collaborator on 'Haunted Mountain' and live performances. (Haunted Mountain) [2023]
• Justin Veloso - Trio member and collaborator on 'Haunted Mountain.' (Haunted Mountain) [2023]
• Sage Francis, Booker T, Bad Religion, David Gray - Collaborated on various recordings and performances. (Various) [2000s–2010s]

Artists Influenced

• Buck Meek - Cites Holland as a songwriting hero and co-wrote multiple songs with her. (Haunted Mountain (Buck Meek and Jolie Holland versions)) [2023]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Old Fashioned Morphine (Escondida)
2. Sascha (Escondida)
3. Damn Shame (Escondida)
4. My Sister's Hands In Mine (feat. Jolie Holland)
5. Highway 72 (Haunted Mountain)
6. My Murder, My Love (Sorry To Bother You)
7. Mad Tom Of Bedlam (Escondida)
8. Wandering Angus (Catalpa)
9. Mexico City (The Living and The Dead)
10. Rex's Blues (Pint Of Blood)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #folk