State College got a shot of original music when Hold on Nothing played at Bar Bleu, 114 S. Garner St., last night. This band, currently made up of only one permanent member, played in promotion of its newly released album, Dog and Pony.
Hold on Nothing is the brainchild of Randy Jones. Recently returned from Europe, Jones came back with a passion to cut some songs here in State College. With the help of producer J.P. Hesser and drummer friend Trent Wolfred, Jones recorded his 18-track album in Altoona last August. Jones played bass, guitar, keyboard and sang vocals on Dog and Pony.
Wolfred, a drummer for Dramatic Oil Company, said, "The album was done over a general period of a month and a half. Randy just had this ridiculous energy about doing it."
Hold on Nothing may play original music, but it has a firm hold in the traditions of music past. Jones cited his inspirations as Matthew Sweet, the Refreshments and, of course, Led Zeppelin. All of these bands can be distinctly recognized in the unique bluesy roots rock of Hold on Nothing. Wolfred defined the band's sound as, "guitar rock, or some variation on that. It is Americana."
Joseph Protska, Class of 2002, has purchased the CD and said he thoroughly appreciates Jones' sound.
"He doesn't have any special effects. It is unadulterated, pure," he said. "I really like the fact he actually does guitar solos. In a lot of ways he brings back the older rock of the '70s."
The simple, straightforward rock of Hold on Nothing allows Jones to have some fun with his lyrics. Protska said his favorite line is, "If I had a nickel for every time you said that you loved me/baby I'd be worth a dime."
The raw energy of Dog and Pony stems from the short amount of time actually spent in the studio.
"It has this 'we did this quickly' feel to it. Yeah, there are rough edges," he said, "but in a good way."
Jones recently began performing his new songs in State College. Last Monday, he did a three-song impromptu set at Bar Bleu. Jones said he is excited about the future and intends to play some more small-venue acoustic sets.
"I love playing for people," he said. "If they don't like it, they can leave."
Dog and Pony can be purchased from Hold on Nothing's Web site, www.holdonnothing.com, or at City Lights Records, 316 E. College Ave. Jones has been giving out complimentary copies of his album, in hopes of spreading the word.
"It may seem like a rash thing, but if I wanted to make money, I would be a plastic surgeon. This is definitely not a profitable business," he said.
Wolfred applauds Jones' endeavor.
"This is a tough town for original music. I have a real respect for Randy for doing this," he said. "People should go see him because he is original, if for no other reason than that. Support local music."
