Wendell Holmes Jr.

You will be entertained and witness an up and coming drummer on the rise to the highest level of his career.

Wendell Holmes Jr., a native of Philadelphia, Mississippi, began playing the drums at the age of two. Watching his peers play every Sunday morning fascinated him so much that after each service, he would jump on a drum-set and mimic what he heard firsthand. At home, he played on everything from pots and pans, to his mother’s living room furniture. His teachers would say and remember him well for often getting in trouble for beating on the desks with his pencils. It soon became evident this ability was an innate divine gift, and should not be taken lightly. Not long after, Wendell became the official drummer at his home church and for his father’s quartet group. From that point, he was playing at tent-revivals, councils, conventions, concerts and all church affiliated services. “Playing at church was the greatest start I could have ever had, I constantly played and it served as a platform in me developing experience in many styles of music."

Holmes began making a reputation for himself early on the road. In 1998, while studying Music and Business Administration all while playing defensive back at the University of Southern Mississippi, he started playing at various clubs and venues all over Mississippi. Immediately after finishing college in 2001 he moved to St. Louis and began performing alongside many music greats and touring with stage plays.

In 2005, Holmes moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was the backbone of Trinity Chapel and New Life Baptist Church, two of the largest churches in Atlanta with congregations of over 6,000 members. He has also played with many great corporate bands and artists in the city of Atlanta. He could have been seen at just about every venue at Atlanta including Caf 290, Apache, Kats Cafe, Sambuca, Church Hill Grounds, Acoustix Jazz, Barley's, and Sweet Georgia Juke Joint just to name a few.

He soon branched into music directing, a position rarely filled by drummers. “I don’t play other instruments,” states Holmes, “but I can spell out melodies, chords, and arrangements by humming. I have arrangement ideas running through my head at all times, and I’m good at retaining a lot of music because I had to learn so much material at once in the gospel world. But the biggest part of the musical director’s job is being able to get along with everyone and be an exceptional leader.”

Coordination, motion, and efficiency are the focal points of Wendell’s approach to provide an expressive infrastructure for musician collaborations. Wendell matured his craft by becoming an innovative drummer with versatility in playing various genres of music such as Jazz, Fusion, R&B, Funk, Blues, Country, Rock and Reggae. Wendell has performed alongside music greats such as Grammy Award winning artists Regina Belle, Phil Davis and Karen Clark Sheard; Billboard Music Award winning group Brownstone; Trumpeter Melvin Miller; Ollie Woodson (The Temptations); Vivian Green; Shirley Murdock; Vasti Jackson; Mississippi Mass Choir; Dottie Peoples; Danny Stewart; Cedric Shannon Rives; Meaghan Williams; Gregg HappyGuitar Haynes; Tony Simmons; Tonya Hairston Ware; Keith Dobbins; Bobby Jones; Up and Coming Country Star Kip Moore; David Garfield; Hadrien Feraud; Julie Dexter; Michael Burton; Leon Sylvers; R&B Group Dynasty; Jazz and Pop Icon Jean Carnes; and many more.

Wendell introduced his debut album, Above It All, in early 2011. This album features 10 unmistakably expressive songs that showcase his colorful, striking, yet sensual licks. He is currently actively working on many new projects for various artists including his own sophomore album where he not only will showcase more variety, but also, more innovative contemporary styles.

While coming home to Mississippi often to visit family and friends, he makes sure he gives back to the community by supporting various events such as "Relay for Life," an internationally known effort that supports cancer survivors and their families. "I recently played at Millsaps College for their annual "Relay for Life." Performing at an event like this proves to be inspirational and eye-opening all at once to see everyone come together and support the cause." Also, being a mentor and inspiration to aspiring musicians at percussion clinics and band camps throughout the South Eastern Region. He is truly a reflection of his talents, faith, and he is an inspiring musician to follow. An exceptional leader musically and personally.

Wendell’s artistic uniqueness lies in his distinctive sound, authenticity and creativity. A sensitive, colorful, and innovative drummer, he mixes different textures and tones on the drums and cymbals to produce breathtaking colors and images. A versatile musician, he approaches each genre in its authentic context, yet complements it through incorporating various styles in an ingenious manner to create an innovative sound.

Wendell is an exceptional musician with a remarkable personality. He is committed to performing on the best equipment to enhance his sound. Wendell is extremely devoted to his musical and God gifted talents and continues to enhance his artistic talents focusing on perfecting his technique and musicality, he sheds for numerous of hours a day. A young, talented, and dedicated artist with a reputable character, he is the epitome of professionalism, and musicianship.

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