Holmes, Rodney (USA)

ADAMS DRUMMERS FESTIVAL - April 2, 2006
ADAMS DRUM CLINIC - May 12, 2010

Inspired by a home life filled with music, Rodney took up the drums upon joining the junior band in the 4th grade. By the time he reached high school in Westchester, New York, he had already decided to become a professional musician. After graduation, though he earned a music scholarship to Long Island University, he chose to pursue his own path. Influenced by great jazz drummers like Max Roach, Art Blakey, Kenny Clarke, and Tony Williams — as well as Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin — Holmes began getting jazz gigs and recording sessions.

Although he was not part of New York’s inner music circle at first, Holmes' talent soon caught the attention of keyboardist, composer, and musical visionary Clyde Criner, who taught at LIU and the New England Conservatory. Criner took Rodney under his wing and formed a group featuring the young drummer. It was as if Rodney had just fallen from the sky. The group recorded two albums, "Behind the Sun" and "The Color of Dark" on RCA/Novus, before Criner passed away. Criner left a profound musical and personal impact on Rodney, who remains committed to keeping his progressive, innovative spirit alive.

After his time with Criner, Holmes worked with Jean Paul Bourelly and Victor Bailey, then joined the group Special EFX for two years. As his musical taste shifted toward more open forms of jazz, Holmes became part of the Zawinul Syndicate with keyboardist Joe Zawinul. Around that time, he also met guitarist Mitch Stein, which later led to the formation of the unique electric trio The Hermanators.

While on tour with Zawinul, Holmes ran into Carlos Santana at a hotel. Santana already knew about Holmes through Criner, and they agreed to play together in the future. Not long after, Rodney was invited to join the Santana Band for their 1993 tour with Bob Dylan.

Holmes stayed with Santana until the end of the 1993 tour, which he credits for giving him a broader perspective on performing in large rock venues. But he had other offers and wanted to explore different areas of jazz. He joined the Brecker Brothers, performing on their Grammy-winning 1994 album "Out of the Loop," including the track "African Skies." Holmes toured extensively with them for two years. He went on to perform and record with Steps Ahead, the legendary Wayne Shorter, Larry and Julian Coryell, Victor Bailey, Leni Stern, and New York guitarist David Gilmore.

From 1997 until June 2000, Rodney rejoined Santana, contributing to the global hit "Smooth" with Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20, earning him multiple Grammy Awards. Today, Rodney pursues new musical and artistic goals with his own music and through collaborations with other exceptional artists.

In 2005, Rodney performed at the Modern Drummer Festival and received standing ovations.