Is Hans a New FolkJazz Great??
author: Dan'l ~ Portland Songwriters Association
My bet is he's right in the pocket, the right sound, the right guy, the right fusionary blast, and right now and he's acheiving his well deserved critical mass as well as acclaim everywhere he goes! Hans York is the perfect meld of Renaissance Man meets the New World with his own out of the ordinary spin on everything. Grab this album it's a keeper! And keep your eyes peeled for his new work - "Young Amelia!"
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author: Minor 7th Webzine
Hans York is a little-known singer-songwriter both in his native Europe and his adopted American homeland, but if fate rewards excellence, this will change. York is a songwriting genius who has discovered surprising chordal resolutions and rhythmic grooves on "Inside Out" which hook you from hello. In the past, York has made a name for himself as a DADGAD acoustic player, but the Celtic melancholy of that tuning does not come through at all on "Inside Out." Instead, these are upbeat jazz-pop masterpieces more akin to those of Sting, Al Stewart or Stephen Bishop. In fact, his vocals, though ever-so-slightly accented from his German heritage, sound as if they were cloned from Bish on "Listen to the Moon." The title track and "Lives Apart" feature great acoustic guitar riffs that cascade from open strings characteristic of fingerstyle, yet are dovetailed perfectly into a pop framework instead. I found myself checking the credits to see who that great bass player was... York. On piano?... York. Obviously talented as a multi-instrumentalist and writer, York's production skills too hover impressively in the same higher ground. "Inside Out" is one indie release that the labels should heed.
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From Donald Fagan, to Sting to Brian Wilson...
author: Christy Claxton
Good independent music requires a world community to make it. Otherwise, it all just starts to sound alike. Anyone who’s ever read my rants in the past knows that there is a particular brand of music that I just can’t stand, and it tends to operate on a formula, and it sells millions of records. It doesn’t really require talent to perform either. Fortunately, I’m continually rewarded by things that do require skill and talent. For instance, I’ve got a nice CD spinning in my truck that was sent to me by German super talent, Hans York. York now resides in Seattle, and this guy works hard. His 2005 release, Inside Out, is a testament to his ability. Hard work created that skill. If you’re fan of smooth jazz, Latin rhythms, pop, or just damn good musicianship, give this CD a try.
My first comparison-like impressions ranged from Donald Fagan, to Sting to Brian Wilson. Not just anybody gets compared to one of these guys much less all three. You gotta be good to grab that kudos. Therefore, let me say that the musicianship on Inside Out is outstanding. In fact, York is so confident in his ability that he tosses the vocal reigns to a fellow German on one cut, “Safety is Soulless.” This tells me that I’m listening to a musician who is totally into the music, its arrangement and ultimate production. Sort like a perfectionist, maybe? I think it is almost more appropriate to call York “producer” first and “performer” second. He enlists a number of talents to write, arrange and perform on this disc. The result is a smooth, well crafted piece of work that deserves to be listened to with a bottle of wine that has been given as much care as York’s creation; maybe a 2001 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon? That’s how I’d do it.
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Very upbeat and progressive...
author: Bob Donovan
Very upbeat and progressive guitar work by the award winning Singer-Songwriter Hans York. In a way, in addition to his extraordinary guitar playing, his voice brought back images of Paul Simon in his prime.
Hans is a multi talented musician and performer who has preformed extensively touring the country and the world. Hans accompanied Robert Palmer on German TV and toured as bass player with the New York Broadway Ensemble. Additionally, he performed with the US National Scottish Fiddle Champion Jamie Lavel all over the US and Scotland and has performed with many other great and award winning artists.
Hans had both German and Brazilian roots and he spent six months in Rio where he studied Samba, Bossa Nova and popular Brazilian music. This experience inspired him to write and record his first solo album when he returned to Germany. This solo debut was titled “Hazzazar” and its follow up was titled “Sau Gut.”
Now, with his first American album, “Inside Out” Hans York precisely performs his material with a smooth and appealing blend of musical styles. This is inspirational material and a pleasure to listen to as each and every song is different and involves the various influences he’s picked up in his musical journeys around the world.
Beautiful songs such as “Listen to the Moon” and “Empty Tin” that are, both, melodic and smooth like raindrops gently falling on a warm spring shower. His clear and pleasing voice contributed delightfully to these songs providing it own unique appeal.
Then Hans has his more intricate material such as “Spirit of the Land” and “Lives Apart” where his great skill and total control of his instrumentation shine in various points of the songs. Again, this material is accompanied by his soothing vocal style.
Hans York is an obvious talent whose music is a delight to listen to as each song has its own distinctive appeal. If you enjoy music with a soothing quality and appeal, you’ll surely enjoy Hans York.
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