By Andrew Clunis, Freelance WriterJohn Holt is still enjoying the success of his recent three-concert performance in England, where he performed alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the patronage of Prince Charles. Lloyd Parks and We The People band backed the Jamaican singer.
Speaking with Showbiz, the Holt described the experience as "amazingly beautiful."
He said the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was initially scheduled to play two concerts, but ended up playing three, with all the dates sold out.
The first concert was held on October 22, at London Apollo, to a capacity audience of 4,000. On October 28, they played at the Symphony Centre, in Birmingham and returned to the Apollo on October 29, with Freddie McGregor as special guest.
John Holt performed songs from three albums he recorded in the 1970s, on which British arranger Brian Rogers incorporated orchestral strings. The albums are 1000 Volts of Holt, Dusty Road and The Further You Look - John Holt Sings For I.
Speaking with Showbiz from his Miami home, Holt said: "It was a really great experience, knowing that these songs were made so long ago. To be performing with the great orchestra, man, oh man!
"I was a bit sceptical and nervous at first, but after the first rehearsal everybody was coming together and I felt a little more relaxed. I always had confidence in those songs because of how they were made.
"It was always my dream to do them on stage with all the instruments and with the backing vocalists, musicians reading from score and Lloyd Parks and We the People pumping the rhythms. Thirty-six musicians on stage at once cannot be anything but awesome," he said.
According to the singer, members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra seemed excited to be involved in the project.
"I felt I was doing something really good for Jamaica's music. The English press was out in numbers; there was live television, traffic jams all around... the atmosphere was just electric.
"That is to show that reggae is not just what young people are listening to these days. The regular fans of the orchestra were stunned at how well Lloyd Parks fused with the orchestra.
"The promoters are now trying to stage a leg in Jamaica on Boxing Day and leaders of the orchestra have said they would be more than happy to come.
"The CD which was recorded should be out soon," Holt said.
John Holt performed 22 songs each night in addition to 10 a capella tunes.
"I would love to see more of my peers getting out there so the music can break into major charts. It would give the music a major lift. Much of the songs being made now need better arrangements and the world should see that Jamaican music has much more to it."
The series was staged by LJS Promotions and Massive Force Concerts.
Linda Johnson-Smith, one of the promoters told Showbiz: "For years we have considered combining a respected reggae artiste with a suitably eminent orchestra. John Holt and Lloyd Parks provided us with that opportunity and I am happy that we were able to get the best of both worlds to create the perfect setting for a night of unforgettable music."
Following the overture performed by the 22-piece ensemble, John Holt sang I'd Love You To Want Me, Never Never Never, Stoned Out of My Mind, Mr. Bojangles, The Further You Look, Help Me Make It Through The Night, In The Morning, Stick By Me, among the many hits.
