About Me
Gypsy Wind's musical journey has been a long road with many twists and turns, yet this innovative group of players has always captured the essence of what is true to their hearts. Their music is energizing, new and entwined in their family roots. Gypsy's ability to entrance the audience with tight harmonies, exciting progressive leads and novel arrangements has transported this group to the cutting edge of the new acoustic music scene.For three of the members, bluegrass has defined a way of life. Brother and sister duo, Kristen and Kevin Holloway, spent most of their childhood listening to the sounds of the five-string banjo echo through the house as their father, Mike Holloway, picked until the wee hours of the morning with fellow musicians. As children, they often participated with their dad in home jam sessions.Kevin picked up his first three-quarter size fiddle at the age of eight and within a couple months it became apparent that he was a natural. Playing local talent shows, festivals and parties developed Kevin's ability to captivate crowds everywhere. By age thirteen, Kevin discovered his forte - the mandolin. In 1984, Kevin wooed judges at the Pioneer Days Music Festival in Dade City with his original composition, "Rain", for which he received first place in the championship. Today Kevin's playing and singing are clean, dynamic and an integral part of Gypsy Wind's sound.Kristen began playing the flute at age 10 and continued her musical training in high school and college. Her exposure to music at a young age paved the way for the formation of their family band, "Grass With Class", and later their album, "Friends", as well as other rewarding projects with Southwind, Jon Mann, The New Acoustic Forum and The Pedestrians. The influence of David Grisman and the "Dawg" movement opened the door for Kristen to explore another realm of her musicianship. In 1986, Kristen played in an after hours jam with David Grisman and Jimmy Bucannon. At this point, she realized that the "dawg" music really offered a unique niche for the flute. Her vocal influences include Emmylou Harris, Claire Lynch, Nancy Griffith and Shawn Colvin.Michael Godwin's musical roots were also seeded by his father, Walter. He began playing banjo at age 13 and continued to study a wide range of musical instruments. Today, Michael teaches and performs on various instruments including guitar, bass, mandolin and the low brass family. Throughout high school, he played with local string bands, school ensembles and toured with the Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. During college, he performed with Mr. John Fadis and the Bob Hope Show Band. Michael and Billy Sandlin, a guest performer on the Gypsy Wind CD, played with Bill Monroe at his last show in Tarpon Springs, FL. His pursuit of a musical career has also enabled him to participate in a large number of openings including events for Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Pat Metheny Group, Little Feat and Jefferson Starship. Michael and Gypsy Wind had the pleasure to accompany the legendary violinist, Vassar Clements, at the 2001 Florida Folk Festival. Today, he spreads his talents through a host of regional bands and teaches locally. John Richard began playing violin at the age of 4. At the age of 10, he was introduced to Lone Pine Mountaineer (Hal Breau) and Betty Cody (parents of the late great guitarist Lenny Breau) John toured with this group in the mid 40's to early 50's. John studied classical violin from the ages of 10 to 20 years old. He was a member of The Bunkhouse Boy Band. They toured the Maritimes and had a weekly radio&TV show. He formed his own band in the 60's called "The Johnny Richard Quintet". His favorite musicians are Stephane Grapelli, Mark O'Connor and Johnny Gimble (who was his inspiration for acquiring a 5-string violin) John has played with such names as The Tommy Hunter (Road Band), Don Messer & His Islanders, Gary "Spike" Spicer, Jeannie Sheppard, John Prine, and Tammy Wynette. He toured with Little Jimmy Dickins in the 60's . John was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame in 1984. He was recipient of the ECMA "Stompin Tom Connors" Award in 1995 and was inducted into The Minto Country Music Wall of Fame in Sept. 2003.
Rob Williams first started playing the bass at the age of 14 when his grandmother bought him a bass and lessons for his birthday. Rob's earliest musical influences came from his grandfather wo was a self taught musician;he played everything from tuba & trumpet to the ukuele and guitar. Rob has childhood memories of his grandfather playing Reveille as they raised the flag at their lake house in rural Ohio. Though Rob was influenced greatly by the "jam band" scene of the 1990's, country music has always been a part of his life. While attending the University of Colorado, Rob became more interested in bluegrass and newgrass. Living in Cincinnati after school, he purchased a 1940's Kay bass and started spending more time in bluegrass circles. His interest in bluegrass really flourished when Rob began discovering acts such as the Del McCourey Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, as well as BIll Monroe and Flatt & Scruggs. As time goes on, Rob continues to be influenced by all types of music from Django to Jerry, Talking Heads to Tony Rice, Beck to Bob Dylan and many others.
