The reviews are rollin' in..
and NOT HOLDING BACK!
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Jean-Luc Vabres, Chroniques- abs magazine online
There are excellent songs like "Convict No. 1", "I'll Take You Back", "Kissing at Midnight" or "The County Pen", which highlight his mastery of the harmonica, his warm voice and an already strong sense of feeling…Listening to it, we are won over by the precision, freshness and sincerity of this young musician. A vibrant and flawless first record, which already imposes the name of Kyle Rowland as one of the new faces of contemporary blues to be reckoned with.
Michael Kinsman, Blues Music Magazine
This is a stunning national debut for Kyle Rowland, whose harmonica playing has long been recognized around Northern California music circles. But his singing and songwriting are given a brilliant display on his Little Village debut.
This is another victory for Little Village and its mission of bringing top-flight regional musicians and musical styles to broader audiences. And, for Kyle Rowland, it's a sweeping entrance into a long musical career.
Mladen Loncar-Mike, Poprock (Translation by Google)
…Kyle offers us a truly impressive contingent of songs that are both deeply personal and absolutely recognizable to all of us who have been devoted to the blues for a long time… Kyle Rowland's blues has its own flow - directly from his soul to your heart. Such a playing style, which is at once down-to-earth and sensitive, subtle and absolutely explosive, many would say that real blues that sends shivers down your spine.
Hal Horowitz, Rock & Blues Muse
The result is this terrific 15 track example of Rowland’s considerable abilities. Eight fresh originals share space with seven obscure covers, displaying the artist’s strong ties to the blues and soul sounds that have inspired him…Rowland’s eclectic palette shows an ability to shift tonal gears without compromising his sound.
Dave Gallaher, Talkin’ The Blues With Microwave Dave
A kick-the-doors-down production out of Greaseland puts Kyle Rowland on good footing for what should be an uptick in national regard for his large-toned California harp work and fine tenor voice on Not Holding Back.
Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes
Not Holding Back collects everything that's great about the blues in one package. Kyle Rowland is a master craftsman, both instrumentally and vocally. This album is a thrill to listen to from start to finish.
Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame inductee 2024
International Blues Challenge Semifinalist 2024 & 2025
"Blue's Music Award Nominee for Best Emerging Artist, 2026
