Brian Holland has rapidly become one of the most lauded performers of ragtime and stride piano in America.   Constantly developing new and exciting styles of performance, Brian continues to enthrall audiences by combining impressively dexterous pyrotechnics with a very laid-back approach.   The result is remarkable accuracy and flair with seemingly little or no effort.   Noted ragtime historian David Jasen has stated, "[Brian] is a virtual playing compendium of ragtime and jazz piano.   His performances are virtuosic, assured and dynamic!"

Beginning his musical existence at the age of three, Brian grew up living a "Ragtime Life."   His grandparents raised him to love all kinds of music, but particularly styles from the 1890's and early 20th century.   Blessed with perfect pitch and an aptitude for improvisation, he quickly learned his way around an organ keyboard and had a repertoire of old standards that would shock most professionals - all before the age of six!   It was then that he turned his attention to the classical piano concert stage he wanted to perform on, but the ragtime stage.   Since then he has performed all across the US, on uprights and concert grands at ragtime concerts and festivals, including numerous appearances at two of the most prestigious ragtime festivals, the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival in Sedalia, MO and the West Coast Ragtime Festival in California.

Brian has the distinction of being a World Old-time Piano Playing Champion (1997-1999) of a competition sponsored by the Old-time Music Preservation Association (OTMPA), winning his third title at only twenty-seven years of age.   The OTMPA competition during Brian's winning series was in Decatur, Illinois and the competition continues today in Peoria, Illinois.   He is currently the youngest three-time (and therefore "retired") champion of this event, held since 1975.

Along with several other recordings currently available, Brian has just added two more to his impressive list, Stompin 'Em Down - his third excursion into two-piano madness with Jeff Barnhart and The Finger Buster - his solo recording of the masterpieces of well-known masters of ragtime, novelty and stride piano.   All are highly energetic and critically acclaimed.

Brian Holland has to be one of the fastest, cleanest players anywhere today.   Every note, no matter how swift, is as sparkling clear as Waterford crystal.   His touch is assured and he makes even the most complex passages sound easy.   His repertoire includes a good mix of ragtime, novelty piano stride and some jazzy improvisation.