The Origin of Troubadour Trouble

A composer, writer, performer and teacher, Stephen has been performing in concert, on radio, in nightclubs and cafes for more time than he will admit. When not making a nuisance of himself he is twisting the minds of students in his lectures at Sac State and Solano Community College where he teaches World Music and the History of Rock and Roll.

He has traveled extensively in Latin America and Europe, performing and collecting songs. The rhythmic and harmonic invention of the music of Brazil and the romantic intensity of the Spanish-American authors of Nueva Cancion has informed his work, as has the ancient traditions of the French Troubadours, traditional Japanese Danmono-Ryu and poetry, the drummers of West Africa and the Middle East, Appalachian hill songs, the beauty of Lightin' Hopkins, Atahualpa Yupanqui, Mercedes Sosa, Andres Segovia, and Odetta, strong coffee, and late night conversations with friends.

Stephen resides in the Sierra foothills where he grew up. He has one CD of original songs; "Nika's Dream," and is currently working on a second with producer and performer Mikail Graham. He performs in duct with Tom MacDonald who has described their music as "perforated pop." The duo sometimes plays as a quartet with bass and drums, bringing a rhythmic intensity to their sound, blending original and Brazilian flavors into the mix.

Tom MacDonald Steve Holland Duo Aka "The Nut Boyz"

Tom MacDonald and Steve Holland hail from Nevada City where they have been playing as a duo for the last three years. Both have played in concert, on the radio, and in nightclubs as soloists and with various groups over the years all around Northern California. Their repertoire consists of original and select cover material with a strong emphasis on the Brazilian songbook.

As a youth Tom lived in Brazil with his family and brings a definitive Brazilian groove to his own compositions as well as an original voice to the standards he interprets. Steve traveled up and down the coast of Brazil in 1986-87, collecting folklore and unusual songs from the less well-known Brazilian repertory. His own compositions feature the Afro-Brazilian influence and his training as a classical guitarist.

The duo is augmented at times with the inclusion of Steve's brother, Martin
Holland, an accomplished and in-demand bassist, and Mark Yedinak, a superb drummer and percussionist. The duo or quartet is available for any occasion.

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