The piano-based melodies of singer/songwriter Kit Holmes may suggest Norah Jones, but the confessional, introspective romantic laments on her new record Return to Love are wrapped in an unmistakable '70s pop sensibility that actually echoes more Carole King's Tapestry. Nearly every track on Return to Love could have been played on AM radio back in the day, and as a lyricist Holmes would've held her own against the likes of Adult Contemporary staples such as James Taylor and Carly Simon.
As the album title suggests, Return to Love is mainly concerned with romantic relationships, especially with the difficulties of healing and moving forward after one has had its fire snuffed out. Surviving a breakup is like crawling from a wreckage and then trying to drive again; there are equal amounts of trepidation and excitement, anger and newly found joy, and Holmes covers all of the bases with honesty and warmth. Holmes actually opens the record on a positive note with the title cut. “But when my heart is open/ And my mind is clear/I know I can," Holmes sings with cautious optimism. The song's mellow groove comforts the heavy weight in the words. Holmes is clearly not saying that the time of acceptance has arrived; she is singing of some imaginary future date when all's well.
Conflicting emotions make their presence known as well; indeed, love is never simple. Holmes' sultry delivery on “Bad Seed" may suggest desire but the lyrics have the sting of a spurned lover's slap to the face. In “Bad Seed," Holmes focuses on the vulnerability many people, male or female, have towards the aggressive pull of the dangerous kind, which often leads to disappointment and bitterness. However, she speaks from the perspective of someone who is no longer going to put up with anybody's garbage. Holmes's show of strength is best exemplified by “Blue Guitar," in which her voice soars with self-confidence.
Holmes started writing tunes at the age of 9 but she didn't release her award-winning debut album, All I Know, until 2004. Return to Love finds Holmes reaching a level of musical craftsmanship and depth of feeling that is quite impressive and impossible to ignore.
KIT HOLMES: Press
New album from singer/songwriter Kit Holmes unveils honest reflection of adult relationships
In the highway of heartbreak, love is too often stated but not proven. Action does speak louder than words, and Holmes' latest album, Return to Love, is pop music filtered through a mature perspective. A lifetime's worth of broken promises creates scars that no amount of "baby" talk can heal. The complexities of adult relationships are placed under a microscope and Holmes unveils their bumps and bruises with straightforward honesty. Prepare to be moved.
Holmes fits within the style of classic, confessional female solo acts such as Carole King and Carly Simon. Like those artists, she is effortlessly able to wrap hummable melodies around particularly stinging lyrics. "Split Decision," for example, features some engaging, jazzy piano but the song is actually whether or not taking back a lying old lover or finally leaving him behind like a dog burying a bone. "Beggin', cryin' on the phone/Should I throw my life away ‘cause you just can't handle being alone?" Holmes sings, outlining the indecision weighing on her wounded heart.
Holmes produced the album herself, and it has a definite early ‘70s feel to it. Most of the finest records during that era had crisp, crystalline sound; each instrument made its presence known. On the title cut, Roger Friend's drums have the kind of punch that isn't often heard in these days of overly processed recordings.
Although a lyric sheet is thoughtfully provided, one can hear Holmes' every word. She sings them with the soaring confidence of a survivor, a woman who's been there and done that. "So send him packing down the road/With the dogs at his heels," Holmes advises on "Bad Seed." Nobody said returning to love would ever be easy.More Information: http://www.kitholmesmusic.com
"Fused into unity are the audience members at a Kit Holmes concert. Whether kindled into an upbeat sing-a-long or galvanized by the truth and insight of her lyrics, her live show can best be described as the perfect set list."
Review of Kit's 6/24/11 Concert at The Bugle Boy, La Grange, Texas
Sound Connections Issue #46, January 2009Produced by Music Ministry Team and the Sacred Music Resources Department
Richard Mekdeci, Editor; Sue Riley, Team Chair
"It's A New Day" by Kit Holmes. CD reviewed by Sue Riley
Austin, Texas based singer/songwriter Kit Holmes has a great CD that no music ministry should be without. This CD is full of empowering lyrics and beautiful melodies. The songs are accessible with a soloist or a full band. You can listen to clips of each of these songs and others on Kit's webpage, listed at the end of this review.
The title cut, "It's a New Day" is a rocker. This song proclaims that each person has the power within them to create the life they want and you will be tapping your toes while affirming this. "Choose What I Say" reminds us of the power of the spoken word. We all know this, but Kit has a fresh, sweet way of reminding us. "Love First" is a haunting melody reminding us how beautiful our lives can be if we put the power of love first in everything. The lyrics explore how we react when our love is not returned and encourages us to love anyway. Very beautiful. "Secret Place" is another song about the power of love, once again exploring the gift of life when viewed through the soft lens of love.
Our music ministry at Unity Church of Clearwater, Florida is using many of Kit's songs this Feb because her music is full of messages of hope and love. Kit tells me she is close to finishing a second CD, and I eagerly await it. Visit her at www.KitHolmesMusic.com.
To view a copy of Kit's EPK (electronic press kit) please click on the link