SILENT BEAR 2006"This is not your average blues/folk singer.No,Silent Bear and his percussionist know how to express what the're felling very well through both music and lyrics."This was said by J.D of the Musician's Exchange in her 5 star review of Silent Bear's debut cd,"River Drum Child."Silent Bear(aka Mark Holtzman) is a veteren singer/songwriter and performer.He's been performing professionally since the late 1980's.
The concept of,Silent Bear,was conceived when Holtzman,tired of large band situations,yearned for a small combo that featured clarity of sound and a greater sense of purpose.Soon there after,New York native,Silent Bear,followed a calling from the sacred mountains of Boulder Colorado.While there in the intimacy of the St.Vrain river and local clubs he would cultivate a sound that would become the mythic entity that is,Silent Bear.To quote Roy Abrams of the," Music Paper,"..."the sound was highly unusual and compelling and I realized that Silent Bear can't easily be compared with anyone,"And,"...thanks to Silent Bear,I experienced what was among the most intense musical episodes of my life that night at Laura D's.'
Upon moving back to New York,Silent Bear,removed from his mountain habitat,stumbled upon the Jazz club,"Smalls,"in downtown NYC,where he was fortunate to hear and meet percussionist,Kahlil Kwame Bell.Mr.Bell is a world class percussionist who has worked with the likes of,Roberta Flack,Erika Badu,Babatunde Olatunji,Kimati Dinzulu,Sista Souljah,and Earthquake Lightening and Thunder.The highlight of the Silent Bear duo's tenure came when they hooked up with jazz pianist extraordinaire,Larry Willis,also the former keyboardist/arranger for the popular jazz/rock band,Blood Sweat and Tears.Larry went on to produce the duo's critically aclaimed debut cd,"River Drum Child,"for Mapleshade records.It was released in June 1997.Kahlil and Silent Bear are still in touch and he remains on call for special east coast dates.
In 2004,Silent Bear completed a circle and returned to Boulder,Colorado.In Boulder he has continued his performing/recording career as well as providing mentoring for upcoming players/performers as a host of a weekly open mic and as a guitar teacher.In 2005,he was chosen to be a part of the Rock and Soul Cafe's,"Live at the Rock and Soul,"series.He is also working on a self produced live compilation recorded at the late,Penny Lane Coffee House.He is one of the few artists that performed at the Grand opening and Grand finale of this popular Boulder venue.
Silent Bear is also active in the local blues scene.He could be seen at many local jam sessions and has been known to guest with great local blues staples such as Lionel Young and Mark Diamond.Also,in 2007, he was proud to be involved in the world premiere of Leonard Peltier's,"My Life Is My Sun Dance."A play based on Mr. Peltier's book," Prison Writings-My Life is My Sun Dance."He feels very strongly about this project and hopes to continue to be involved until Leonard is a free man and the rights of all indigenous people throughout the world are both recognized and respected.The production plans to tour in the coming year.
Silent Bear is currently searching for collaborators to form a band while continuing to perform as a solo acoustic artist.To quote the president of Mapleshade records,Pierre Sprey,"Silent Bear,a born rock songwriter,moves from sadness to laughter and from passion to spirituality with simple,natural grace.He is a brilliantly spontaneous,blues-steeped guitarist who won't ever do a song the same way twice.You'll hear tantilizing echoes of Buffalo Springfield,Jimi Hendrix,maybe even Neil Young and Dylan.But above all,you'll be mesmerized by the improvising power of Silent Bear's spirit."
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