Jason Holcomb

Having trained, in both the classical and contemporary arenas, at the highly-esteemed Lionel Hampton School of Music at The University of Idaho, Holcomb’s career has been notably prolific. From Music Director and producer on the high seas for Carnival Cruise Lines to sideman for some of the biggest names in the music industry to recording sessions at Capitol Records, he’s performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world. Holcomb’s time at The Lionel Hampton School of Music afforded him the rare privilege to participate in the renown Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. It was here that he performed with jazz greats such as trumpeter Claudio Roditi, trombonists Bill Watrous, and the late Al Grey of The Count Basie Orchestra. After a successful stint early in his career as music director for Carnival Cruise Lines Holcomb landed in Las Vegas performing at venues such as Caesar’s Palace, the MGM Grande, and The Bellagio Hotel. It was here that he began working as a freelance musician performing in Las Vegas productions shows, with tribute artists, and with headlining acts. He performed with the hit Motown group "The O'Jays", “America's Got Talent” Winner Michael Grimm, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and many others. When he wasn’t on stage Holcomb maintained a private lessons studio for young trombone and brass players in the Las Vegas area. In 2009, Holcomb was asked to record with British pop star Matt Goss (formerly of Bros fame). He recorded the song "Lovely Las Vegas" and was thereafter asked by Goss' mananger Robin Antin (creator of the recording group “The Pussycat Dolls”) to join the band and began a resident weekly performance at Caesar's Palace Hotel. During the following three years he performed regularly in Las Vegas and internationally with Goss, recording at Capitol Records in Los Angeles, performing two sold out shows at The Royal Albert Hall in London and playing numerous television appearances. In 2012 Mr. Holcomb relocated to the United Kingdom and joined the northern funk band "King Bee”. In January of 2014 he performed to a crowd of 30,000 with the band and shortly thereafter they released a debut album. The album has been played on BBC Introducing, Solar Radio London, The Saturday Night Experience with Mike Chadwick on JazzFM and on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC6 Music. In November 2014, Holcomb created the stage show Le SAPE Nocturne and premiered it at The Vermont Hotel in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

After receiving critical acclaim the show began its residency at the hotel and is based upon a group of hand-picked musicians directed by Holcomb and performing his unique arrangements. In addition Mr. Holcomb can be found performing with his jazz/soul quartet “The Society Four” at venues all over the north east, as a guest artist with The Northern Monkey Brass Band, with the independent folk-rock band Dansi, and with The Eliot Smith Dance Company premiering his commissioned composition “Sacrification” in the fall of 2018. Having written the piece in association with The Royal British Legion, for the contemporary dance piece "Poppy", this commission is a retropsective look at war and conflict and those affected by it. The piece is touring the North East of England in the spring of 2019. In addition to performing regularly and composing, Holcomb is currently a doctoral candidate at The University of Sunderland researching music performance and its effects on the musical artform. As an educator Holcomb is the Head of Brass Studies for Newcastle University, as a performer he has recently released his single, "St. James Infirmary" available on Apple Music and all major streaming services. Show less