Corcoran Holt Channels Family, Movement, and Growth on New Album “Freedom of Art”
Corcoran Holt has announced his second album as a leader, entitled Freedom of Art, will be released on February 20th. Where his 2018 debut The Mecca paid homage to New York City, his upcoming project reflects more on his own life.
“Throughout his career, Holt has worked alongside some of jazz’s most celebrated artists, including an extended tenure with saxophonist Kenny Garrett,” a press release explains. “Freedom of Art represents a crystallization of those experiences, combined with the intimate journey of his own life since his 2018 debut The Mecca. The album features master musicians Stacy Dillard, Josh Evans, Benito Gonzalez, Kweku Sumbry, and Lewis Nash, alongside compelling contributions from Holt’s family members.”
His family contributions begin with the very opening of the album, “Theme for Ma,” which features his mother’s voice over bass and piano. Holt also features a poem by his late father, Ibrahim, on the closing track “To My Dear Ones,” recited by Sharp Radway.
Aside from family matters, Freedom of Art explores the emotions of the bassist’s journey around the United States. That’s captured in part on the album’s lead single, “Transition Blues.”
“‘Transition Blues’ captures the emotional evolution of Corcoran Holt as he uproots from New York after 17 years, journeys to Washington, D.C., and finally settles in Phoenix as a jazz professor,” liner notes explain. “This isn’t just about relocation—it’s about finding rhythm in life’s transitions.”
Holt sets the pace with a fiery 7/8 groove that alternates with 4/4 sections to build and release tension. His spellbinding solo at the 4:09 mark showcases his ferocious rhythmic approach and melodic punctuations as he digs into his signature string-crossing style.
Freedom of Art will be available on February 20, 2026, via Holthouse Music LLC. Until then, “Transition Blues” is streaming on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other services. Keep an eye out for an exclusive interview with Corcoran Holt coming soon.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
