SILENT BEAR 2006
"This is not your average blues/folk singer.No,Silent Bear and his percussionist know how to express what the're felling very well through both music and lyrics."This was said by J.D of the Musician's Exchange in her 5 star review of Silent Bear's debut cd,"River Drum Child."Silent Bear(aka Mark Holtzman) is a veteren singer/songwriter and performer.He's been performing professionally since the late 1980's.
The concept of,Silent Bear,was conceived when Holtzman,tired of large band situations,yearned for a small combo that featured clarity of sound and a greater sense of purpose.Soon there after,New York native,Silent Bear,followed a calling from the sacred mountains of Boulder Colorado.While there in the intimacy of the St.Vrain river and local clubs he would cultivate a sound that would become the mythic entity that is,Silent Bear.To quote Roy Abrams of the," Music Paper,"..."the sound was highly unusual and compelling and I realized that Silent Bear can't easily be compared with anyone,"And,"...thanks to Silent Bear,I experienced what was among the most intense musical episodes of my life that night at Laura D's.'
Upon moving back to New York,Silent Bear,removed from his mountain habitat,stumbled upon the Jazz club,"Smalls,"in downtown NYC,where he was fortunate to hear and meet percussionist,Kahlil Kwame Bell.Mr.Bell is a world class percussionist who has worked with the likes of,Roberta Flack,Erika Badu,Babatunde Olatunji,Kimati Dinzulu,Sista Souljah,and Earthquake Lightening and Thunder.The highlight of the Silent Bear duo's tenure came when they hooked up with jazz pianist extraordinaire,Larry Willis,also the former keyboardist/arranger for the popular jazz/rock band,Blood Sweat and Tears.Larry went on to produce the duo's critically aclaimed debut cd,"River Drum Child,"for Mapleshade records.It was released in June 1997.Kahlil and Silent Bear are still in touch and he remains on call for special east coast dates.
In 2004,Silent Bear completed a circle and returned to Boulder,Colorado.In Boulder he has continued his performing/recording career as well as providing mentoring for upcoming players/performers as a host of a weekly open mic and as a guitar teacher.In 2005,he was chosen to be a part of the Rock and Soul Cafe's,"Live at the Rock and Soul,"series.He is also working on a self produced live compilation recorded at the late,Penny Lane Coffee House.He is one of the few artists that performed at the Grand opening and Grand finale of this popular Boulder venue.
Silent Bear is also active in the local blues scene.He could be seen at many local jam sessions and has been known to guest with great local blues staples such as Lionel Young and Mark Diamond.Also,in 2007, he was proud to be involved in the world premiere of Leonard Peltier's,"My Life Is My Sun Dance."A play based on Mr. Peltier's book," Prison Writings-My Life is My Sun Dance."He feels very strongly about this project and hopes to continue to be involved until Leonard is a free man and the rights of all indigenous people throughout the world are both recognized and respected.The production plans to tour in the coming year.
Silent Bear is currently searching for collaborators to form a band while continuing to perform as a solo acoustic artist.To quote the president of Mapleshade records,Pierre Sprey,"Silent Bear,a born rock songwriter,moves from sadness to laughter and from passion to spirituality with simple,natural grace.He is a brilliantly spontaneous,blues-steeped guitarist who won't ever do a song the same way twice.You'll hear tantilizing echoes of Buffalo Springfield,Jimi Hendrix,maybe even Neil Young and Dylan.But above all,you'll be mesmerized by the improvising power of Silent Bear's spirit."
So often I sit on the ground, listening, feeling the heart beat of Mother Earth...I feel her...and as I look around, I am at awe; at the Beauty that is around me....I am so Blessed...we ALL are if we could just simply slow down, take a deep breath....and enjoy.... May your week be a Blessed one! XOXOXOX SoaringEagle
Peace Fam! I hope this
finds you happy and healthy. We need your help and support! Our new PUBLIC
ENEMY graphic novel is available to order online at www.americanmule.com/shop and
we hope you will show your support and order a copy and spread the word. Get
your copies today and support independent underground artists. Each order comes
autographed with a FREE cd! P.E.ace!!!
Peace Fam! I hope this
finds you happy and healthy. We need your help and support! Our new PUBLIC
ENEMY graphic novel is available to order online at www.americanmule.com/shop and
we hope you will show your support and order a copy and spread the word. Get
your copies today and support independent underground artists. Each order comes
autographed with a FREE cd! P.E.ace!!!
Hi Silent Bear! I really hope you enjoy your Leonard Peltier tribute archive. I'm honored to record you. I always find your live performance very impressive. I can feel the heart and soul for sure. The tribute is kick ass! Have a great day and I hope to see you around Boulder soon. ~J =)
osiyo my friend,
may your day be touched with
sunshine, your heart overflow with love, and your soul sing with
hope, may everything in your life sparkle with a radiance that comes
only from happiness..
Father Sky is gray
As the new light appears
And the laughter of the birds is still
the clouds shed their tears
and the land drinks of this heavenly dew
puddles replace the dust
irresistible temptations for little feet
Turning my face to the sky
and feeling the gentleness of the mist
washing away my cares
filling my heart with happiness
Lifting my spirits
like the quenching of the crops
Raising my arms
I turn to the four winds
and give thanks for this
gentle…Summer Rain.
We have a program called the "FREE Leonard Peltier Radio Program" carried on http://www.therealpublicradio.net/, that will come on at 7 PM Eastern time Sunday (Check your local time zone), hosted by Wanbli.
Tomorrow we have a special program detailing some components of a plan to free Leonard, Kari Ann, David Hill and myself will be on to discuss the plan. We are also encouraging everyone to call in or send us an email with their questions to either myself or Wanbli at mountainkat_47@yahoo.com and wanbli@gvtc.com, respectively.
We will be counting on our International support to join us in building the momentum to bring Leonard home before his next birthday on September 12th. I hope you and your friends may have time to listen in or catch the rebroadcast of this program.
Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (bill HR 875).
check this out! i was outraged!!! there trying outlaw organic farming!!!!! thought you'd be interested i have already written my congressmen, and so should you! there trying to pass it within two weeks! my friend sent me this link to a phish chat site (of all places), but check it out and get informed!!
I didn't drop off the face of the earth, LOL!; just internet prob's...gggrrrrrr....Please forgive me
for my absence....:) Much Love to
you! Many Blessings!! SoaringEagle
Online Now!
