Bio

Eric Hollandsworth grew up as a cellist in Roanoke VA, studying with Peggy McHenry, Dr. Kenneth Lurie and Alan Weinstein. It was during his studies with Weinstein that Eric was introduced to Jazz, beginning his life long love affair with the likes of Davis, Monk, Mingus and Hubbard. By his early twenties Eric had made Upright and Electric Bass his main instruments and became a sought after theatre pit orchestra bassist, performing regularly with several professional and community based theatres.  It was also during that time he performed with the award winning corporate show band Cheaper Than Therapy.

Starting in the early 2000's, Eric toured with regional and national blues acts laying down the low end from Maine to Georgia. During this time he performed with Eli Cook, Billie Sutton & Road House, Proffit and Sandidge, Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes, Jackie B and the Backburners and fronted as well as played bass for the power blues/rock trio South29.

In late 2006, desiring a change from the blues, Eric took on two projects, Jazz trio the Great River Jazztet, and a jam based group the Tendencies, finding both fulfilled his need for freer improvisation. Both groups saw great regional success, both producing full length Recordings ( GRJ's Contemplations and the Tendencies Strangers With Candy).

Since the late 00's and into the 20's, Eric has solidified his place in the Central and South West VA music scene as the go to bassist for recording sessions and performances, lending his talents to over dozen albums, touring with several singer/songwriters and working with numerous Jazz groups and projects.

During this time Eric shared the stage with Dave Matthews Band members Butch Taylor and Tim Reynolds, Phil Lesh & Friends Keyboardist Scott Guberman as well as Grammy Award winning Cellist Zuill Bailey.   Most recently, Eric toured with Grateful Dead/Beatles Tribute Long Strange Night.

On the classical side of things, Eric has served as both principal bassist and cellist for the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra, the Commonwealth Choral Society and the James Chamber Players.  Currently Eric performs as a member of the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra, the Lynchburg Symphony, and the University of Lynchburg Wind Ensemble and Orchestra.  

Along with his work with the orchestras, Eric is currently performing with and co-music director for the Sway Katz Big Band,  performs with the Eric Hollandsworth Quartet, Americana group Carrington Kay, modern Jazz combo Flat Five Jazz , the Lynchburg Community Big Band at the University of Lynchburg, and has revived the Roots Rock band The Tendencies,

Currently, Eric is a professor of music at both University of Lynchburg and Sweet Briar College, teaching Upright and Electric Bass, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele, and one on one classes in songwriting/song-craft, as well teaching a private studio in the Lynchburg - Roanoke area.

In 2016, Eric became and Endorsing Artist for Spector Basses.

Eric is available for clinician work for Upright and Electric Bass, Cello, Orchestral, Jazz, and music theory.  He is also available for one-on-one lessons for Upright and Electric Bass, Cello, Guitar, Mandolin, Music Theory and Composition and Arranging. 

Additionally, Eric is available for recording sessions - as either a bassist or cellist, and offers strings/brass/reed arranging services.