ABOUT

Motel Mississippi, Holiday’s 2nd solo album, was recorded about an hour outside of Memphis in Coldwater Mississippi at Zebra Ranch, the studio of the late great Memphis legend Jim Dickinson (The Rolling Stones, Big Star). Combining the sounds of North Mississippi Hill Country, Delta Blues and Memphis soul, Motel Mississippi is equal parts hypnotic blues, driving soul and juke joint stomper. 

Like with previous project The Porch Sessions Vols I and II, which featured collaborations with  Grammy® winners Charlie Musselwhite and Bobby Rush along with fellow Memphians John Németh, Victor Wainwright and Southern Avenue, Motel Mississippi began as a collaborative effort, this time between Holiday, guitarist/songwriter A.J. Fullerton and guitarist/producer Dave Gross who shared production duties with Fullerton. Rich sonic layers provide a forward-thinking quality to these productions, conjuring up a vibe that’s modern and retro at the same time.  

Since relocating from Salt Lake City to Memphis in 2017, Holiday has been at the center of a soul blues revival in Memphis, anchored by a contingent of young, savvy well-schooled musicians with a “family like” attitude and a strong belief in one another. Mentored by past legends, Holiday and this loose Memphis collective are building on the city’s rich traditions and carrying them forward.

There’s something in the water in Memphis and Tony Holiday has tapped into it to contribute to an exciting new chapter unfolding in this storied region.

CRITICAL PRAISE

#6 Billboard Blues Chart

“This Memphis ballbuster kicks out the jams on his second solo outing” - Goldmine   

“Blending the cool blues-rock of acts like The Black Keys and North Mississippi Allstars with a  Memphis soul sound, Holiday captures the mood and feel of the place where he now resides.” – Glide

  Holiday has this sound nailed down and is taking it into the future at the same time. You’re going to want in on this one! Highly recommended. - Rock and Blues Muse

“Motel Mississippi marks an evolution of sound and growth” - American Blues Scene

"North Mississippi Hill Country with Memphis soul, Delta Blues and stomping tunes, something for any music lover to sit back and let the music heal the soul…..a masterpiece!”  Bluesmatters!

"This collection of songs fills your mind with visions of roadhouses on a sweltering Saturday night, where people do the kinds of things they need forgiveness for in church the next day." – Gonzookanagan

“You would think we’ve heard every which way to sing the blues, but someone always manages to discover a refined, effective and satisfying way to reintroduce it. Tony Holiday has.” - Americana Highways