Something that distinguishes Larry from other bassists is his technique of tuning his instrument in fifths, which gives his bass a wider range of sound and clarity. This technique was pioneered by Larry's mentor, the great bassist Red Mitchell. It should be noted that Larry was the first recipient of the Red Mitchell Scholarship Award, which he was granted for his "dedication to the challenge of experimentation" and his "spirit of innovation." In addition to performing and recording, Larry is a jazz educator. He teaches private lessons, clinics and master classes and is a longtime faculty member for the Blaine Jazz Festival. Larry's teaching expertise includes jazz and classical bass and also beginning and intermediate cello. "Larry Holloway is one of those rare bassists who clearly enjoys being a critical part of the whole, yet can turn on a dime and offer up a highly expressive, personal statement as a soloist."
-jazz pianist Randy Halberstadt
With his impeccable time, extraordinary versatility, veteran chops and steady-as-she- blows sensibility, it is no wonder that bassist Larry Holloway is one of the busiest musicians working the Northwest scene today. Be it backing up big name performers in high-profile venues, laying down tracks in the recording studio or playing with a small combo in a nightclub setting, Larry is the go-to bassist for many regional and national artists and bandleaders.
Larry is a top-call session player and has contributed to numerous projects. He has recorded with the contemporary sextet The Big Bad Groove Society and has appeared on many recordings on the independent jazz label Pony Boy Records. Also as part of Pony Boy, Larry collaborated with guitarist Christopher Woitach on the CD "Guitar & Bass," which featured an eclectic mix of straight-ahead bop and jazz standards.