ONE RIFF PONY

Jim Holmes first picked up a guitar at the age of 15 and quickly taught himself to play by ear, inspired by his major influence at the time, early Status Quo.By the time he was 18 years old he was playing in local bands in his native Lancashire. He played with various outfits until the age of 21 when he joined The Devious Soul Machine, playing classic soul tunes from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Jim stayed with the Soul Machine for seven years, playing gigs the length and breadth of the country.When the Soul Machine had run it's course, Jim quit and took a year off before taking a change of direction when he formed a 3 piece rock band The Reservoir Ferrets, with himself as guitarist and lead singer. The Reservoir Ferrets played a combination of Jim's own songs mixed with covers of tracks by the likes of ZZ Top, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Jim's all time hero Rory Gallagher.Lack of commitment from his band mates caused Jim to call time on The Ferrets and retire from the live music scene in 2003, although he did go on to record a solo album of original material for his own personnel enjoyment. Due to lack of staff, he played all instruments and was forced to use a drum machine, but nevertheless came out with a credible bit of 12 bar. (some songs have been posted)In August 2003, Jim began working at Morecambe music store Promenade Music where he first met Soul Company bass player Keith Ashcroft - the Soul Company being the band set up by original guitarist for 'The Alarm', Dave Sharp. Keith would be extremely impressed by Jim's solo album (mind you, he was probably off his tits on Solpadeine).When Mo Witham had to withdraw from Soul Company's live shows due to personnel commitments, Keith asked Jim if he'd consider standing in for Mo. After guesting with Soul Co at the Power Of Soul sessions, Jim took up the invitation and played his first show with Soul Co at Scarborough's Beached Festival on 17th July 2004.Jim is now old and is shortly to to retire from the live circuit in order to concentrate on recording, and his sponsorship deals with Carlsberg and Napolean Brandy.I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)