ANDERSHOLST
SINGER & SONGWRITER
Bio
After releasing his debut EP Five in 2005, the New York based Swedish singer/songwriter, Anders Holst, quickly established himself as Smooth Jazz's go-to guy for dreamy, sensual love songs and has defended the title for over a decade.
In a review of Holst’s 2008 full length album debut, Romantika, Billboard Magazine’s Chuck Taylor wrote, “Anders is a regal contender to become the new crowned prince of contemporary romantic music. The original compositions glide with the ease and beauty of a springtime drive through the countryside.”
The multi-talented artist followed his 2010 American Smooth Jazz Awards nomination for International Male Vocalist of the Year with the album Soho Suite, which Billboard touted as a “collection of tracks that will make the listener believe (in love) again.”
Reflective of Holst’s subsequent impact beyond the genre, he was nominated for “Best Jazz Vocalist” by the Broadway World Cabaret for his show “The Man Inside the Song,” which he performed at the legendary NYC venue Don’t Tell Mama.
At a time when the world needs his inspiration and beautiful optimistic view of romance more than ever, Holst is returning after a lengthy hiatus with his aptly titled new album Endlessly -- a heartfelt, lushly produced, pop-oriented collection featuring seven originals exploring the many facets of romantic love (co-written by the singer).
The album boasts a dynamic re-imagining of Kem’s “Heaven” and an intimate soulful tributes to Stevie Wonder in “All I Do” and George Michael in “Cowboys & Angels,” sung as a duet with the iconic songstress Sy Smith.
Recorded with a live ensemble in New York and additional recording and mixing in Stockholm, the album was produced by Grammy Award winner Gordon Chambers. It features beguiling string arrangements, soaring backing vocals and solo spotlights by keyboardist Shedrick Mitchell, guitarist Sherrod Barnes, and saxophonists Peck Almond and Andreas “Pastorn” Andersson.
The vision for Endlessly took root when Chambers invited Holst to an open mic session at The Village Underground club featuring Mitchell as music director. The singer loved the energy of the live band so much that he was inspired to make an album showcasing the musicians.
Prior to pursuing his lifelong dream of music, Holst met success in his first career as a strategic business consultant whose expertise expanded over many disciplines, countries and industries. Most recently, he is the host of the award-winning podcast “Art Insiders New York.” The theme of the podcast is New York, with a focus on behind-the-scenes conversations with fascinating people who are making an impact in the world of art, design and architecture.