Ross Holmes is a talented fiddler and musician known for his work in bluegrass, Americana, and folk music, collaborating with artists like Bruce Hornsby, Mumford and Sons, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Chessboxer.
Band member: 2014 -2018
Albums
- Rehab Reunion (album)
Instruments
See our chat with Ross Holmes just after he joined the Noisemakers in 2014.
Ross Holmes bio
Early life and musical beginnings
Born into a musical family, Ross Holmes grew up surrounded by a rich variety of music. While only his sister Katie and half-brother Christian pursued music professionally, Holmes’s family influence was strong, particularly his grandfather, a doctor in Fort Worth who loved the fiddle. Inspired by his sister, who began playing fiddle at age 5 after hearing Asleep at the Wheel, Holmes felt a natural connection to the instrument from an early age. He says, “I don’t think anything has come as naturally to me as the fiddle.” Over 20 years of playing, the fiddle became an extension of his voice and soul, propelling him into the world of professional music.
Musical versatility and instrument collection
Holmes is a skilled multi-instrumentalist, playing fiddle, violin, mandolin, and guitar. His extensive collection of instruments is not only a passion but an essential part of his music-making process, particularly for creating the right vibe during recording sessions and performances. Holmes’s long-term goal is to build a collection of fine instruments that he can loan to young, aspiring musicians, reflecting on his own experience of having limited access to quality instruments growing up.
Collaborations and bands
Ross Holmes first gained widespread recognition as the co-founder of Cadillac Sky, a progressive bluegrass band known for blending traditional bluegrass with modern influences. The band’s innovative sound and energetic performances earned them accolades, including recognition from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Cadillac Sky’s success led to collaborations with several legends of acoustic music, including Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, and Béla Fleck. Holmes also recorded albums for Skaggs Family Records, Ricky Skaggs’ label, during this time.
Ross’ career took a turn when he joined Mumford & Sons, contributing to their folk-rock sound as a touring fiddler. His versatility made him a key component in merging traditional fiddle techniques with the band’s contemporary music style. Holmes continued to expand his horizons by working with The Infamous Stringdusters and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Joining Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers
Ross Holmes first encountered Bruce Hornsby’s music through his work with Ricky Skaggs, hearing the blend of bluegrass instruments with Hornsby’s jazz and folk stylings. Though their initial meeting at a festival was brief, the two crossed paths again when Hornsby reached out to Holmes in 2013, asking him to join the Noisemakers. This unexpected call came while Ross was working in Austin with his sister, who now plays with Asleep at the Wheel. After a hiatus from touring with Mumford & Sons, he accepted Bruce’s offer and joined the band in 2014, contributing his unique fiddle sound to a wide-ranging catalog of music.
Holmes’s transition into the Noisemakers was an exciting challenge. Bruce sent him a setlist of 80-90 songs spanning his 30-year career, and rehearsals quickly became crucial. Bruce’s laid-back style helped Holmes acclimate, as the band is known for their improvisational approach, forgoing any kind of setlist.
ChessBoxer
Alongside his work with the Noisemakers, Holmes formed ChessBoxer with fellow Cadillac Sky member Matt Menefee. The duo focuses on condensing large orchestral ideas into the fiddle-banjo combination, a challenging yet rewarding creative endeavor. Holmes described ChessBoxer as an “exploration of sonic possibilities” and was thrilled when Bruce Hornsby invited them to open for the Noisemakers during their 2014 tour.
Looking forward
Ross Holmes continues to explore new musical avenues, both through his collaborations and solo work. His passion for teaching and mentorship has led him to offer workshops for aspiring fiddlers, while his dream of loaning high-quality instruments to young musicians speaks to his dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Holmes’s journey through various musical genres, from bluegrass and Americana to folk-rock and orchestral compositions, has solidified his reputation as a versatile and influential musician. His collaborations with iconic artists and bands, coupled with his own creative projects, ensure his lasting impact on the music world.
External links
Website: www.rossholmes.net