Monthly Archive for February, 2009

New Music Tuesday | The Series

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Ladies and Gentlemen, that just happened! New Music Tuesday actually went up on the blog; dare I say, on a Tuesday.  I would assume that many of you are familiar with Matt & Tonic but for those of you are not, get ready! 

Matt Wertz |Twentythree Places|
Track One .:Everything’s Right:. Track Two .: The Day Forever Died:.
Meet Matt, Matt Rocks, PERIOD! There isn’t much more I need to say. Listen to the tracks, buy the albums, check his website and support him next time he’s in your neighborhood.  

Tonic |Sugar|
Track One .:Sugar :. Track Two .: Future Say’s Run:. 
Last week I introduced you to Emerson Hart, this week I wanted to introduce you to his band Tonic. Unfortunately the band no longer exist but that shouldn’t stop you from running out and buying all of their albums right now.  As always take a listen and tell me what you think. 

1 Response to “New Music Tuesday | The Series”


  1. WARNING: *big-bear-cyber-hug x2 inside** Jeff!! I adore you. Honestly. It’s weird, there are those people that come into your life and you just know without a doubt that it is divine appointment. You are one of those gems Jeff. You’re heart for people and authenticity are rare and beautiful. You are amazingly humble and treat everyone with dignity that you encounter. I love that about you. Your life will inspire many… Jeff Holt is making history, changing hearts and making this world a more beautiful place. Now, for the hugging part times x2,,, I don’t think you will be able to handle x2 because just one might be too much. *Take a deep breath, wrap your arms around yourself (just do it, I know! I know! I’m a dork) and think about the people you love and how much they love you in return…. I promise it will be too much to handle. May require several doses.
    Please accept my feeble attempt at a big bear hug via the confines of the inter-web. :)

Justin, Kristina & Oliver

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Meet Justin and Kristina, the first couple of the 2009 wedding season. Here are a few images from their recent engagement session. To be honest, I really can’t say enough great things about them; they are madly in love, funny, genuine and sincere just to name a few. Their big day is right around the corner and I can’t wait, see you soon guys!

4 Responses to “Justin, Kristina & Oliver”


  1. Jeff, we absolutely LOVE the pictures. You did an amazing job (and you can’t even tell
    how cold it was!).

  2. Love it! Great stuff. Did you see I added you on Twitter? Great to finally meet you in Vegas!

  3. Holty!! these look great my friend. i can’t tell you enough times what joy you brought to my life in meeting you! you are a light Jeff!much love to you

  4. Jeff these turned out amazing! I can’t wait to see the bridal portraits and the “hang out” with you again on the wedding day! And keep posting new music Tuesdays cause I’m digging ‘em :)

New Music Tuesday | The Series

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I’m just getting home from WPPI in Las Vegas and didn’t have have access to the internet other than my iPhone.  Here is this week’s installment of new music for your listening pleasure. Hope you enjoy!

Matthew Perryman Jones | Swallow The Sea|
Listen Here|

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| & Here |

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Another amazing singer/songwriter from Nashville. Take a listen to a couple of tracks from his most recent LP. 

Emerson Hart |Cigarettes & Gasoline|
Listen Here|

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| & Here |

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Cigarettes & Gasoline is the solo debut album of Emerson Hart, former front man of Tonic.

2 Responses to “New Music Tuesday | The Series”


  1. two amazing artists! i love the song ‘feels like letting go’ on swallow the sea :)

  2. Jeff!! Were you at Amos’ when Mark opened for Emerson? He put on a amazing show…love his new tunes too :)

Lakyn | aka “The Bug”

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I have to admit that I’m pretty attached to this little girl for a number of reasons. To begin with, look at those eyes; how you could you not be hooked?  But in full disclosure, my history with this cutie goes way before she was ever born. Her mom, dad, and both sets of grandparents each hold very special places in my heart.  It’s fair to say that each and every one of them have played a role in the person that I am today.  It’s was truly an honor to shoot “the bug” as her daddy likes to call her.  Guys, I hope you like the pictures. I love you all very much.  - Holt

*PS, The new image viewer still has a couple of bugs that I’m trying to work out. After viewing the first 12 slides make sure you click the right arrow on the main image to navigate to the final slides. I hope to have that fixed soon, thanks!

16 Responses to “Lakyn | aka “The Bug””


  1. Excellent Mr. HOLT!!!! These look great as I knew they would. Can’t wait to hear what Susan thinks.

  2. Well, I must say that she is gorgeous!! Jeff, you captured the true essence of our daughter in your photos! She had a great time with you and you were fantastic with her! You are so talented and we look forward to many more photo shoots!!! Thanks again for all of your hard work – you make it look effortless!

  3. Jeff, you have found your purpose. Thank you for showing others what I see when I look at my beautiful granddaughter.

  4. beautiful work Jeff. They really show personality and from a technical stand point ROCK IT.

  5. Jeff- these pictures are so precious! Lakyn is such a sweetie and these photos are AWESOME!!

  6. These photos are amazing!! Lakyn is adorable. I love the first picture w/ the bubbles.

  7. Awesome! Has there ever been a more precious child? I think you’ve captured all “sides” of our sweetheart. Hey, you’re good!!

  8. Jeff~ You did a MAGNIFICENT job with these pictures. Lakyn is so BEAUTIFUL. I wish we were still in Charlotte because I would of loved you to do family pictures for us. WAY TO GO!!!

  9. she is precious! beautiful photos.

  10. Incredible pictures!!!
    Jeff, you are very talented, but of course, “the Bug” helped you out! I can’t wait to see more of your work.

  11. Ok, so I’m not really her Aunt, but I have no problem faking it. TOO CUTE!! Susan- I’m sure glad she got your looks..and personality.. ;) Jeff- great photos!!

  12. These are sooo gorgeous! Our next trip to Charlotte WILL be planned around your availability for a cousin photoshot! You are really talented! I am so happy for you. See you soon. ;-)

  13. What about the inspiration Uncle Marshall played in your life? Just kidding of course. The pictures are amazing. Must be the subject huh?

  14. Amazing, You may have to take these off of here before you get people threatening to kidnap. Ha! I love the pictures. Cool part is you did so well capturing her personality I feel like I know her even though I unfortunately have not yet had the opportunity in person. Great job! By the way after seeing this I put some bubbles on my nose and looked in the mirror. Did not quite work the same for me. lol! “The Bug” is the star of the bubble pictures.

  15. Cuteness x 10^12th

  16. Holt the pictures turned out great! Lakyn is blessed to have come from a wonderful gene pool (surprised that BIG Mike hasn’t weighed in yet!)… you have found your calling!

New Music Tuesday | The Series

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Last week I introduced a series on the blog called New Music Tuesday which I had intended to drop every …… Tuesday.  It’s now Friday which means I missed my deadline by several days and hope hat you can find it in your heart to forgive me (Please?!!).  In return for your forgiveness – 4 talented artists, 1 song from each album and hopefully a new favorite in your iTunes library.  Take a listen and tell me what you think, if you have any recommendations for me or just discover something that you like; leave a comment and let me know. 

Jeremy Lister – |Just One Day EP|
.:Listen Here:. 

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Nashville-based singer/songwriter Jeremy Lister’s music could be best described as melodic and emotionally charged pop. Just One Day is his third EP and a great one to pick up. His first full length album is expected to debut later this year.

Sam Bush – |Peaks of Telluride|
.:Listen Here:. 

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Sam is considered one of the best mandolin players in the world and simply a brilliant musician.  I realize that bluegrass isn’t for everyone but his “Newgrass” style might just impress you.  Peaks of Telluride is his to fourth solo album recorded live at The Telluride Blue Grass Festival and features some amazing players like Béla Fleck, John Cowan, Jon Randall Stewart, and Jerry Douglas just to name a few.  

City & Colour – |Bring Me Your Love|
.:Listen Here:. 

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City and Colour is the solo acoustic project of Dallas Green, best known as the singer/guitarist for the Canadian post-hardcore band Alexisonfire.  I’ve had this album on heavy rotation for some time now and I absolutely love it, think warm, raw acoustic folk.  
 
Martin Sexton – |Live Wide Open|
.:Listen Here:. 

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Last but not least is Martin Sexton who’s musical style I would consider “new folk”.  If this is the first time you’ve heard of him, please do yourself a favor and spend a few bucks to buy this album. Check out 13 Step Boogie (above) for a taste of his amazing vocal range, sure to blow you away.

4 Responses to “New Music Tuesday | The Series”


  1. yay sam bush!

    check out compilation albums called ‘what the folk’ and ‘what the folk vol. 2′. there’s a song on the second album called ‘my love (coming home)’ by erland that i LOVE.

    other artists to check out:
    stephen kellogg and the sixers – http://www.myspace.com/sk6ers
    jay clifford – http://www.myspace.com/jaycliffordmusic
    erin mccarley – http://www.myspace.com/erinmccarley
    everybody else – http://www.myspace.com/everybodyelse
    citizen cope – http://www.myspace.com/citizencope
    amos lee – http://www.myspace.com/amoslee
    civil twilight – http://www.myspace.com/civiltwilightband
    katie herzig – http://www.myspace.com/katieherzig
    peter bradley adams – http://www.myspace.com/peterbradleyadams
    griffin house – http://www.myspace.com/griffinhouse
    brooke waggoner – http://www.myspace.com/brookewaggoner

  2. Jenni, Thanks for the awesome suggestions. There are some in there that are favorites of mine and others that I’m just hearing for the first time. Love new music, thanks again!

  3. City and Colour is pretty good, Alexisonfire .44 Caliber Love Letter is one of my all time favorite songs, good taste here Holt, Kudos.

  4. Yah! Finally something different Jeff! I mean I am all for a bit of indie but the new indie is the “Pop” music of the current decade… Which sounds so much all the same.. Glad you mixed it up and posted some of Sam Bush’s stuff. This guy is the original folk guy. Give Julie Miller a try and her husband Buddy Miller a try I think you will like them even more! Even give Mindy Smith a try “Come To Jesus” or incredible tribute to “Jolene”

New Music Tuesday | The Series

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Hi! Welcome to a new series called “New Music Tuesday”.  I’m really excited to be at a point where I can start to share more of my life and the amazing journey that I’m on with friends, family, and newcomers to the blog.  I’ve have always had a deep and passionate love affair with music. If you know me personally this comes as no surprise but for those of you who might not know me as well, I thought it would be cool to share music that I’m listening to in hopes that you will share back. There is nothing better than discovering a new artist for the first time that redefines or invigorates your passion for music. When I say “new”,  it won’t always be a recently released album, it might just be a new one to you. So here are the first 4 artist/albums in this series, don’t forget to check out the song that i’ve uploaded from each album. 

The Fray - The Fray

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  (click link to hear  song)
You a Fray fan? If so, your going to love this album. If you have never listed to much of their music it’s a great place to start.  I downloaded it early this morning and listened straight through.  I uploaded one of my favorite tracks the syndicate for you to listen to. Check out their website here

Dave BarnesYou, The Night & Candlelight EP
Dave Barnes – Until You  (click link to hear song)
If you don’t know Dave then you’ve been missing out. Great musician and all around funny guy. You, The Night & Candlelight is his latest EP that was also released today. It’s got a great cover of “My Girl (Smokey Robinson)” and several of  Dave’s old songs rearranged and a couple of new ones.  Check out his limited edition website to get a feel for this guy and don’t forget to check out a live show next time he’s in your neighborhood. You’ll thank me. 

Missy HigginsOn a Clear Night
Missy Higgins – Angela (click link to hear song)
I discovered Missy Higgins an Australian artist  a while back,  lately “On a Clear Night” has been on heavy rotation and one worth spreading the word about.  You can check out her site here, not to mention I love this album cover. 

Oren LavieThe Opposite Side of The Sea

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 (click link to hear song)
As I mentioned in an earlier post today, Oren is brand new to me. After seeing his video I was hooked, it’s truly brilliant. Here is another song from the same album as “Her Morning Elegance” (video below).  Check out his website here.

I’m excited about sharing more music from my collection in the coming weeks and months. Please don’t hesitate to comment with other recommendations or thoughts on any of the artist from above.  Thank you again for stopping by. See you next week!

4 Responses to “New Music Tuesday | The Series”


  1. yep Missy and Oren are some of my favs and “Her Morning Elegance” vid is brilliance. I should have known you have nothing short of excellent taste in music Jeff. cheers to you friend!

  2. i love the song ‘where i stood’ on missy higgin’s album. i also love the song she co-wrote with jay clifford (http://www.jayclifford.com) called ‘ten days’ (on her debut album ‘the sound of white’).

  3. New music recommendations? This could take a while…

  4. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Dave his stuff is so good. Thanks for the others..love missy as well :)