Holland Hopson solo Performance Reviews

"...a low-key but varied set that used a time-honored process in which live performace sets off computer processes..."
--Allan Kozinn, the New York Times, 9 March 2002 [download]

"...vocalist-banjo player Holland Hopson magnificently melded old-timey roots music with 21st century technology..."
--Greg Haymes, The Albany Times Union, 1 October 2009 [download or the read the review online]

"...hometown openers Holland Hopson and Century Plants performed amazing outré music of their own. Hopson, in particular, is a must-see performer, a musical treasure hiding right under our noses."
--Mike Hotter, Metroland, 31 December 2009 [read the review online]

"'Jazz' is what most folks call what this fellow does, but it's more along the lines of 'electro-acoustic computer music the sources for which were generated live as part of a sound installation toes the line between composition and improvisation.' Which is why jazz does nicely."
--Joe Gross, The Austin American-Statesman

"...the standout was a reprise of a piece Hopson conceived for the Austin New Music Co-op’s Rock Music in December 2003. Standing calmly in front of a microphone, Hopson knocked two small white rocks together at a constant pace for the duration of the piece. The simple sound of the rocks’ collision seemed to incite a battery of mysterious clicking and searing noises that echoed throughout the room..."
--Dorothy Meiburg, ...might be good #70, 26 May 2006 [download or the read the review online]

"...the half-hour solo set with computer by saxophonist...Holland Hopson was by far the most compelling. ... Hopson programmed the computer to respond improvisationally to his own lyrical improvisations. The result was an engaging study in tension and the interplay of opposing forces."
--Nancy Raabe, The Birmingham News

"The variety of sound created, the moving sources and fascinating interplay among those sources made a tremendously complicated live experience out of simple sounds."
--Frederick Kaimann, The Birmingham News

Post & Beam CD cover

Post & Beam Reviews

"...a haunting, often mesmerizing album of old songs and new sounds. Throughout, he plays the banjo straight, with a gentle claw hammer behind his fragile-but- captivating voice. ...Hopson's individuality shines. ... It's a fascinating journey."
--"Spinning Progressive Traditions" Michael Eck, The Albany Times Union, 18 August 2011 [read the entire review online]

With Hidden Noises CD cover

With Hidden Noises Reviews

"...a grab bag of rare sounds...sounding not so much like ingesting a bottle of cough syrup, but more like a post-apocalyptic radio transmission."
--Audra Schroeder, The Austin Chronicle, 12 May 2006 [read the entire review online]

Gates Ensemble - 16 october 03 CD cover

The Gates Ensemble 16 october 03 Reviews

"...fluent and imaginative, sustained electronic drones and whines weaving among dramatic instrumental colors."
--The Wire, February 2006

Gates Ensemble - 16 october 03 CD cover

ECFA Der Wald Reviews

"[Carl] Smith's third LP also marks his most substantive recording, a trio affair with the leader on tenor sax, Holland Hopson on soprano sax, and Jason Friedrich on drums."
--Jay Trachtenberg, "Texas Platters", The Austin Chronicle

Holland Hopson and James Keepnews Performance Reviews

"The subtle interactions between Hopson and Keepnews showed the musicality that provided the foundation for their electronic excursions, a lovely ending to a dynamic and interesing performance."
--Phil Zampino, The Squid's Ear [read the entire review online]

Hunting and Gathering Reviews

"Holland Hopson...and James Keepnews...prove their mettle as consummate musical high-wire artists..."
--J. Eric Smith, Metroland [read the entire review online]

Downtown Music Gallery review