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     From Music Austin
Floramay Holliday's original songs shine in herself titled debut album. A South Carolina cowgirl, Floramay calls Austin a great home for herself and other musicians because of its "creative camaraderie."

Often referred to as a poet, Floramay's lyrics tell stories from one woman's view of the adventures of life. The music comes from many experiences and includes bluegrass, gospel, rock, and folk. It fits into the genre Americana, which incorporates all the differing styles of American music while not fitting neatly into any one. Her strong and earthy voice bring the songs to life.

Holiday is the veteran of a SXSW showcase and a number of Austin venues such as Shaggy's, where she sings about everything from the mystery of life to her dog Cody.

From Old Settlers Music Festival Promo
Combining sultry power and gentle grit, Floramay Holliday deftly blends the essence of old-school country with brand-new alternative style. Her self-titled debut has earned her vocal comparisons to Kelly Willis with spiritual nods to Joni Mitchell and the influences of Van Morrison. While she’s most noted for the sheer energy of her live show, her carefully crafted lyrics deliver a heartfelt earnestness that leaves audiences anticipating the next song.

From Charleston City Paper, Charleston, S.C.
"In the midst of the heavy music, there was a brief ray of sunshine that swung through town. Old friend Floramay Holliday came through to join her brother James' band Flywater at both Zebo's and Portside Café as part of her "Holliday Tour". I was fortunate enough (along with some other folks there) to catch this rising star on Friday. Holliday has begun to make a name for herself in the music capitol of Austin, Texas. Her self-titled debut album, released on Roseneath Records, which was named after the plantation where she grew up in Florence, holds a deep regard for the roots of country music and Texas swing, but sizzles with her smooth vocal harmony. The album was recognized for a nomination in the 42nd annual Grammy Awards. Her other credits include projects with Austin City Limits, a Fox News network Ladies First "Featured Artist" showcase, and numerous artist spotlights and shows around the country. The once hidden talent is no longer hidden and will shine brightly one day, but she'll never forget her family or where she came from because that's what means the most to Floramay."

Michael E. Saliba
December 8, 1999

From New Texas Magazine, Austin, Texas
"What do you get when you combine folk-rock, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, and awesome vocals and harmonies with thoughtful lyrics and catchy guitar rhythms? You get Floramay Holliday and her self-titled debut on Roseneath Records.

Her songs tell the stories of one woman's positive view, traveling the open road, rivers, love, and the adventures of life. These tunes include Mystery, Anything, Anymore, River, Life, Silver Highway, and a song dedicated to her dog, Cody.

She is joined by her sister Nelson Ervin, John Inmon, Chris Maresh, Ted Sweeney, Eddie Cantu, Lloyd Maines, Gene Elders, Gary Primich, Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff, James Fenner, and Riley Osbourn who also produced the CD. Her live performance at the Whole Life Expo will definitely make your day. If you need more convincing, she is as good as, if not better than the wonderful Kelly Willis."

Broken Spoke May 20, 1999
When I was a young guy, we had the Andrews Sisters, Kitty Wells, and assorted other pre-TV disappointments who could sing great but I remember none of that era who had sex appeal. So we moderns are very lucky, especially here in Austin, to have such talented beauty as Floramay Holliday. Shucks! She should make it on name alone. But she has it all. Talent combined with refreshing modesty that spells success in life which may transfer to professionalism in a music career.

I consider myself to be the world's foremost authority on female country music singers by virtue of having had a big dance band at a very long time when the only possible music career for a lady musician was to be the soloist with an existing male ensemble. As such I'm telling you that Floramay is what I always wanted a country music female singer to be: blond, wavy hair, a man's white straw hat, a smile across Texas, a charming personality and stage presence, and authoritative feminine strength. And of course she can sing. That's almost the common denominator among aspiring lady musicians in Austin.

There's none of that evening gown, city slicker, Dallas debutante look here. This lady may even be too real for commercial appeal if the phony Nashville look of successful stars is the criterion. However, the phrase "a Texas angel" keeps coming to mind. And of course good and unexpected things happen around angels.

So you might want to watch the career of this unusual person. Floramay Holliday fronting a fine dance band, with a mandolin in it!, at the Broken Spoke made me proud to be a Texan.

Tom X
Tommy Hancock

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