“Gettin things movin’ here.It’s Atlanta’s own Soul Shakers.” WMLB. Soul Shakers are a four piece Rhythm & Soul Rock & Roll band out of Atlanta, Georgia. The band consists of the Holliday Brothers; Art Holliday (guitar & vocals), Jacob Holliday (bass guitar), Adam Holliday (piano & organ) and ‘honorary brother’ Eric Pullen (drums). The Holliday Brothers were born in Jackson, Mississippi while Eric was born out west in Sunnydale, California. After relocating to Atlanta, the Hollidays met up with Eric and eventually started playing around frequently as the Soul Shakers, showing off a variety of music and styles ranging from 50’s and 60’s Texas & Chicago Blues, 60’s STAX Soul, blends of Rock & Roll, Surf and Honky-Tonk with traces of French, Italian and Spanish styles of Jazz, Pop and Rock pre dating the 60’s. But let’s not get aheaed of ourselves.
In 2001 Art, Jacob and Eric began touring the South East, backing Master Blues Harmonica Legend Dr. Dixon of ‘Dr. Dixon & the Operators’. The band was seasoned by various classic blues styles of the 50’s through the 70’s. In 2003 they formed the Soul Shakers with the youngest Holliday brother, Adam on piano/organ. This really helped in the development of their overall sound and style. ".their style and music is rooted in relatively obscure blues, with delicious touches of soul." Atlanta Blues Society. They moved on to expand and explore new sounds creating a niche so tight, it‘s all their own.
After playing the Atlanta Blues Circuit for a few years, the Soul Shakers released their debut album “Special Edition” in the last quarter of 2008. A collection of Rockin’ Soul, Blues, and Swing. (Insert Review here) A few of the recordings are accompanied by Paul Linden (Harmonica) and childhood friend/world renowned Sean Costello (Rhythm Guitar & Maraca). The Soul Shakers are now working on their follow up album of ‘solid gold‘ originals.
The Soul Shakers also have a Spanish themed band called El Cobra Negro portraying influences of Spaghetti Western, the 60’s, Disco Soul and Go-Go Rock. The band has been known for their polyester outfits, matching wigs and 3D light show (with El Cobra Negro brand 3D glasses for sale). Check out their new music video Luna Go-Go, featuring the Holliday Brothers.
You can currently see the Soul Shakers the second Friday of every month at Northside Tavern in Atlanta, GA as their new original hit, ‘Every Second Friday’ clearly states. “You might want to dance, You might want to chill. There is a place, down on Howell Mill.So come get your turn, at the Northside Tavern. Every Second Friday!”
BLUES REVUE
Sean Costello Memorial Concert
The Soul Shakers' trademark "Rhythm & Soul Rock & Roll" came across via solid grooves, tough vocals, and lively stage presence. Eric Pullen - a high-school friend of Costello's and drummer in his first band - anchored the Holliday brothers, Adam, Jake, and Art. A greasy "Green Onions" preceded several songs from the Soul Shakers' debut album, Special Edition (which featured Costello on rhythm guitar), including "Hucklebuck" and "How Long" (both staples of Costello's shows) and a savvy selection from the sweet soul songbook of Tyrone Davis in "There It Is". Art's guitar was supple on "Reconsider Baby" and jagged on "May Be The Last Time", while "Every Second Friday" offered a funky reminder of the group's standing gig at the Northside Tavern. -Tom Hyslop
This Profile was edited with Holliday Brothers Editor V10
