Talkin’ with Ron Holloway: A Legendary Tenor Saxophonist

Like many musicians, I sing in bars, coffee shops and on my front porch (or yours if we have jammed before). I am always excited to sing, perform, and always excited to share the stage with different talents, genres and souls. This Saturday, June 18, at a new venue in Fredericksburg called Festival Hall, I will have the extraordinary honor of playing with tenor saxophone legend Ron Holloway.

I first met Ron at The Recher Theater in Baltimore, Md, opening for Devon Allman’s Honeytribe. Backstage, after I performed, I donned my silly purple knock off chucks, and we shared a laugh. Evidently, purple is one of Ron’s favorite colors, in combination with orange because it looks like the sunset.  At that point, I hadn’t seen Ron perform live, (though I had definitely heard his work with acts like Warren Haynes, Susan Tedeschi, and others). I watched in awe when he took the stage with Devon and the Honeytribe. They jammed! They rocked! And there was so much soul! When I had the opportunity to perform with him, I jumped, and asked to interview him before the show. He agreed, and here is what I discovered about this touring music legend:

Question 1): Was there one childhood event that inspired you to play tenor saxophone?
As a kid, my parents were always listening to new music. Every week my dad would bring home new records, usually from the Blue Note or Prestige labels. Because sax and trumpet were his favorite to listen to, I was exposed to various horn players. But, I was interested in science.  My parents had given me a telescope and a microscope.  At school orientation in 1966, the band director got up and spoke. He said he didn’t have enough students to start a band and asked the students to come and select  an instrument to learn. A few of my friends persuaded me to go with them the next day to select an instrument to play. I didn’t really want to do it, I just went along with it. The band director pulled out an alto sax, clarinet, and French horn. I spoke up quickly, claiming the alto sax. Three months later, I was playing tenor sax. This October, I will have been playing saxophone for 45years.
Question 2) Who are some of your music heroes?
Sonny Rollins and John Coltraine.
Question 3) What is your approach to performing live? Recording?
I am 100% open minded with any project. I have no favorite genre of music. Variety inspires me.
Question 4) You have played with so many greats, Steve Ray Vaughn, The Allman Brothers, Dizzie Gillespie Quintet (1989-1993), to name a few. What is one of your favorite sayings by them?
There are so many when it comes to Dizzie Gillespie, I would have to write them down…some that make me laugh to this day. I remember one time,  I was going to play with him at the Kennedy Center with an orchestra. I was late because I had to go and pick up a tux because I didn’t own one at the time. I got there, and was talking to him, explaining why I was late, and he said, “Look, just save that, I’ve seen you before.”  Him saying, “I’ve seen you before,” really stuck with me, and was a turning point for me and how I managed my time. He said what was on his mind, but he was also very generous with me because he didn’t hold that against me.
Question 5) What is one thing you have learned being a part of the music business for so many years?
Somehow maintain a positive attitude, be inquisitive as a person, try new things, and put yourself in new and uncomfortable [safe] situations and environments (musically, artistically). This all helps one progress as a musician.
Question 6) What keeps you inspired and motivated, when you have to dig down deep and reach to perform when you are tired? Variety and aiming for excellence.  I am serious before I get onstage, and really serious when I start performing. Everyone you are on stage with has a certain standard, and you have to meet that standard.
Question 7) You are currently playing with the Warren Haynes Band, Grace Potter. You have played with Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, The Allman Brothers…how did all this come about?
I was pleasantly surprised when I met Derek and Susan, because I am a bit older than them. Warren is a little closer to my age. I first met Derek Trucks in 2002 and performed with him at Rams Head Live in Annapolis, and The State Theater in Fairfax. In 2004,  I met Warren when playing with Little Feat in 2004 and opening for The Allman Brothers at Nissan Pavillion. I was coming off stage, and he was coming on. He said, “Ron, are you gonna be around later on?” Yes. “How would you like to sit in with The Brothers?” So, I came on the second to last song of the night and did Southbound, and that’s how I played with The Allman Brothers. Later on [October 2004], Warren invited me to play with his band, Government Mule, at the 930 Club. In 2005, I sat in with Susan Tedeschi at Rams Head Live in Baltimore. I was a member of Susan Tedeschi’s band for four years. Then, Warren went into the studio to record a solo album in Austin, and invited me to record on the record, so I recorded cuts on his new album. Warren told me they were going to release the album and go on the road, and now I’m a member of the Warren Haynes Band. (Warren Haynes Album Man in Motion was released as #19 Debut on Billboard.)
Question 8) You are a legend in music history. If a legend’s favorite colors are orange and purple…will the legend where purple shoes Saturday at the show?
It wouldn’t be impossible for me to wear purple shoes….It could happen. [He does own a pair of purples shoes.)

Don’t miss this show folks. Ron is on a very short break for the Warren Haynes Band Tour. DC’s Blues guitar legend Linwood Taylor, Bang Music Owner and drummer Joe Kane, and bassist Adam Douberly join. I will be singing upbeat and raw blues you can groove and dance, too. Up and coming guitarist, seventeen year old Tyler Reese, and his funky jazz group, open.  Festival Hall is located at 1707 Princess Anne Street in downtown Fredericksburg behind The Olde Silk Mill Inn (formerly Colonial Inn, across the street from Hardees). There will be food, beer, wine, and more. The ceilings are high, the room is spacious, and the jams will be great. Don’t miss this legend, Ron Holloway, Saturday night. Doors open at 5PM. Cover is $7. It is going to be a blast!

Check out
www.ronholloway.com
www.linwoodtaylor.com
www.ashleighchevalier.com

This event is brought you by Capital Entertainment & The Olde Silk Mill Inn.