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Son of D.C.
Voice of the Bass
Corcoran Holt—bassist, composer, arranger, and educator—is a son of Washington, D.C. who began playing djembe and West African percussion at the age of four with the Wose Dance Company under Baba Aidoo Holmes and Mahiri Fadjimba Keita. At ten, he took up the upright bass with the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program, discovering a family connection to the instrument through his great-grandfather, a bassist who reportedly gave lessons to a young John Coltrane. While studying classical bass at DCYOP, Holt attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (1996–2000), working under Carolyn Kellock, Davey Yarborough, the late Keter Betts, and Steve Novasel, and soon began performing widely on the D.C. jazz scene.

In this episode we discuss his 2026 sophomore album, Freedom of Art, a deeply personal and expansive statement that explores themes of lineage, fatherhood, identity, community, and spiritual growth. Featuring an all-star ensemble, the project blends original compositions with intimate interludes that incorporate the voices of family, mentors, and lived experience. The album has received critical acclaim, including a 4-star review in DownBeat, and continues to resonate with audiences for its honesty, depth, and musical integrity.

https://corcoranholt.com