HANS YORK: Inside Out

Hans York

Inside Out

© 2005 Hans York a.k.a. Hannsjoerg Scheid (837101068567)

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The English debut solo album by Award winning, National touring Singer-Songwriter Hans York. From the opening note of the first (and title track) "Inside Out", listeners will encounter an inspiring journey into the heart and mind of a true world musician

tracks

1 Inside Out
2 Listen to the moon
3 Lives Apart
4 Bored out of my mind
5 California Waltz
6 Outside In
7 Miss You
8 Safety is Soulless
9 What If
10 Spirit of the Land
11 Empty Tin

notes

"Nominated Best Acoustic Album" Indie Acoustic Project

"Hans York creates music with brilliant emotional momentum. He's a consummate musician, traveling between folk and jazz and pop effortlessly, while his voice soars above it all. Seeing him live, you understand that you are experiencing a world-class talent. His joy is infectious and his chops are superior." (Kym Tuvim, Seattle, WA)

"Hans York is a man of vast musical talents and one of the best songwriters around."
(European Weekly)

“York's voice feels as smooth as an FM-Jazz announcer and pulls me right in. It's the perfect voice to front such richly textured music. He's a true Renaissance musician, skilled in many genres, knowing exactly how to blend them and sweep me off my feet.”
Jennifer Layton (Indie-music.com)

German-born, Seattle-based, Award winning singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Hans York has quickly made himself a name as an extraordinary DADGAD player and strong, engaging performer with a distinctive style and an irrepressibly delightful and approachable manner. His intimate and distinctive voice draws comparisons to Sting, Paul Simon, Kenny Rankin or Michael Franks and captures the audience instantly with its honesty and clearness.

He accompanied Robert Palmer on German TV, toured as bass player with the New York Broadway Ensemble, played with US national Scottish Fiddle Champion Jamie Laval all over the US and in Scotland, toured throughout Europe with master harp player Rüdiger Oppermann, and performed a Concerto as Soloist on fretless bass with the "Ars Quittilinga" Chamber Orchestra. (Concerto written by contemporary East German composer Thomas König) Hans York co- founded the German Worldmusic cult band Moka Efti and recorded three CDs with them. The third album, “Fata Morgana” features US saxophonist Charlie Mariano and producer/saxophonist Heinrich von Kalnein (Vienna Art Orchestra).

Hans spent six months in Rio de Janeiro where he studied Samba, Bossa Nova and popular Brazilian music, an experience that upon his return to Germany, inspired his first solo album “Hazzazar” and the follow up “Sau Gut.”

With his first American album “Inside Out” York breaks down the walls between world, pop, folk, jazz and acoustic music, by blending these styles with elegance and grace, resulting in a refreshingly original and intriguing work that shines with imagery and a joyful celebration of life and love.

Hans York is a world musician in the true sense of the term, drawing most of his present day inspiration from his vast eclectic background.

reviews

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  • 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!"

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Bears repeated listening
    author: Benjamin

    The first time I listened to this CD I liked it, sure, but not as much as when I heard him live. I'm just a simple acoustic kind of guy I guess. But when you listen to the CD for the second, third, fourth time, you not only learn to appreciate each song, but also the flow from the beginning of the album to the end. With some perseverance and some patience, this album gets deeper upon repeated hearings. I wish this were true of most other music... If you've only listened to the album once through or only one song at a time, I strongly recommend that you listen from start to finish a few times and see how it hits you after that. It's not just a bunch of good songs; it's a wonderfully thought out and packaged experience.

  • Hans York is slowly taking over the world
    author: Charley Lawrence

    A great way to tell if you like a new album is if you start trying to sing along the first time you hear it and have no idea what the lyrics are. You sound like an idiot with a mouthful of marbles but at least you are entertained. With a post office box in Seattle and passport stamps from all over the world, Hans York has collected enough influences to mash into his new release, "Inside Out," to turn me into exactly that idiot. With the first few bars of the first track, I was hooked. The words that I didn’t know to sing were these: "I can breathe against your noise, I can feel it in my skin, There’s a pulse that warms me over as another breath begins from the inside out." Brilliant and hooky as heck. The turkey wasn’t done yet. The second song is as strong as the first and for that matter, so are the third, the fourth and the fifth … and the sixth and the seventh … I imagine that you get my point but in case you have the attention span of a gnat, let me put it plainly. All of the songs are good and none of them sounds the same. To give you a loose idea of what Hans York sounds like, imagine if Andy Partridge of XTC and Joe Jackson could be distilled through a filter of Jonatha Brooke with just a pinch of Joao Gilberto and the clean guitar of Bruce Cockburn. Shake and serve cool. Go to The Red Door May 8 and see for yourself. Get there early to get a seat as the Harlot may be hush hush and sweet but her boudoir is small.

  • ...another gem...
    author: Evo Bluestein

    German-born musician/composer Hans York has added yet another gem to Hazzazar Music–his label for pop/world music productions. The songs on the new album Inside Out have a balance of dark and light moods, self -penned, as well as songs by colleagues from past and present collaborations, musicians from his local Seattle stable and familiar favorites from Germany including notable harmony from singer Elke Diepenbeck. For fans, like me, it’s great to finally have an American album, with new songs composed with English lyrics. Though I am a fan of his German albums, especially "Sau Gut", my language comprehension leaves much to be desired. My personal favorites include the title track "Inside Out" and "California Waltz." Hans continues to impress as a composer, arranger, producer and multi-instrumentalist (on this album he plays guitars, piano, bass). Moreover, his approach to production reflects his life-commitment to his art as he continues to build a strong arts community–musicians, writers, and, not least, the listener, so please take a listen.

  • Hans York's Inside Out is a refreshingly original and intriguing CD
    author: Emily Pickrell

    Hans York's latest CD, Inside Out, is a refreshingly original and intriguing work. Hans is both an accomplished songwriter and singer and a breathtakingly superlative guitarist who is professionally grounded in a wide range of musical styles, from Brazilian music to traditional Celtic to modern jazz. His compositions draw and blend these many styles with elegance and grace, with addictive melodies and arrangements, causing me to listen again and again to the CD, each time hearing a different level of depth. Especially lovely is "California Waltz", which uses the traditional structure of a waltz to explore unexpected and deeply satisfying harmonizations. His guitar work throughout Inside Out is especially delicate, expressive and highly evocative of the thought provoking messages of his songs. Inside Out shines with imagery and a joyful celebration of life and love. I heartily recommend the CD!!!

  • Hans knows his way around a lyric and a melody
    author: Jason Parker

    With Inside Out, Hans York once again proves that he knows his way around a lyric and a melody. From the opening strains of the title track, with it's intricate guitar lines and multi-voice harmonies, you get a sense that this album attempts to answer some big questions of life and love and living. Hans is not afraid to tackle the big issues, but strives to deliver them in a sophisticated, intelligent and supremely musical manner. Here is an artist, fully formed, and at the height of his powers as a story teller and weaver of dreams. It's always fun to discover an artist such as Hans, and I'm glad to have found his music. If you haven't yet heard the album, do yourself a favor and do so now...a wonderful journey of music and exploration await you.

  • Absolutely phenominal music! Can't imagine living without it!
    author: sybille nelson

    Hans York's music simply touches your heart, mind, and soul. This CD encompasses such refreshing jazzy sounds that it is hard to switch it out to listen to other artists. He has accomplished a fine piece of art..ahh, just like a glass of the finest wine you must learn to savior it one sound bit at a time! Wonder if he would consider a duo with Nora Jones?

  • ...truly great writers, such as Sting...
    author: DJ Manusa - Indie Cafe Radio

    Hans York has an interesting background and it's perfectly reflected in his music. Good stuff, with the title track "Inside Out" a wonderful fusion that I really liked. Also Lifes Apart and What If. I was thinking that unique chord structures,etc reminded me of the truly great writers, such as Sting, only to see the reviewer from minor7th saying the same things. Must be true.

  • Inside-Out TRULY REMARKABLE WITH CLASS
    author: Duane M. Wright - Leader of the Jazz Unlimited Band

    INSIDE-OUT --- TRULY REMARKABLE WITH CLASS ---- Reviewer: Duane M. Wright, Leader of - Jazz Unlimited Band Inside-Out is definitely a step above with some of the best musical composition I have heard in a very long time. The harmonies of voice and instrumentation together with the wonderful harmonic percussions presents a musical blend with sounds that you do not often hear. This sound is very pleasing to the ear -- creating a refrishing musical journey. This together with a tastefull variety of music and rhythms, has created a CD that sounds like no other album in todays market place. Inside-Out is a CD that can be heard and enjoyed over and over again by large audiendes - without tiring. This is how classic CDs are born. The creativity of this album is a remarkable peace of work and a real tribute to it's arranger, composer and artist Mr. Hans York. I would call this album a step above and - --- Truly Remarkable with Class ---

  • York is a songwriting genius ...
    author: Alan Fark

    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.

  • Easily the best cd I have heard for sometime.
    author: Lee Craig (Lochgoilhead, Scotland)

    I am mesmerised by you cd and I just keep it playing...each time taking something else from the words and hearing something different within the music...it is brilliant and easily the best cd I have heard for sometime. Your voice has a deep meaningful qaulity and I find I am carrying it with me through my day. Thank you for bringing it into our lives.

  • Hans York’s first English release is elegant, intuitive, and delightful
    author: Kevan Breitinger

    Hans York’s first English release is elegant, intuitive, and delightful. His many years of global musicianship pay off richly in these engaging and diverse songs. He has assembled a band of players equally sensitive, and together they offer up the distinctive, brilliant music that is the perfectly produced Inside Out. One of the most compelling traits of this music is its intimacy. York’s vocals are smooth, clear and seductive, reminiscent of Michael Franks. He easily captures your attention alone or in his perfect pairing with the similarly wonderful Elke Diepenbeck. Together they are unstoppable, a sweet force of nature. There’s a great mix of genres and influences sprinkled throughout the CD. Some flawless waltzes (the definitive “California Waltz”), jazzy pop songs with Brazilian influence, and several eclectic ballads make for a potpourri of perfection. Guest artists are well placed throughout; check out Orville Johnson’s slide guitar work on “Miss You,” and the amazing harp solo on the haunting standout track “Listen to the Moon.” Pardon my rave, but Hans York’s lovely first English album is simply stunning, that’s all there is to it.

  • I utterly enjoyed listening to Inside Out.
    author: Unsigned Music Magazine

    Catchy memorable hooks, just listen to Lives Apart and you’ll see what I mean - it has an eclectic mix of tunes, from the classically inspired California Waltz to the almost jazz/soul cut Miss You. The album offers something for everyone...wait, I’ll take that back it offers something for the person that understands what makes a truly great song; and that has nothing to do with cool synth sounds and vocal tricks, but everything to do with great lyrics and composition.

  • Wonderful CD!
    author: SLS

    Absolutely beautiful CD - what more can I say? Everytime I listen to it, I hear something and feel something new.

  • A clever mix of traditional song writing with modern production techniques.
    author: Mark Hadley

    A pure pop song, ‘Inside Out’ begins with a delicate, layered, picked guitar and a sampled beat. Then straight in with the catchy hook of ‘from the inside out’ and the lush vocal harmonies. There is evidence of real composition here and the musicianship is second to none throughout. Hans has an intimacy to his voice that sounds as if he is singing personally to you - and that he knows you are listening… ‘Listen to the Moon’ is a different version than on the website, enhanced with the inclusion of a female vocal harmony, udo bass and subtle use of a harp. The last vocal note of ‘moon’ is rather impressive and difficult to emulate! A fast acoustic guitar riff in ‘Lives Apart’ really grabbed my attention. The call ‘n’ response nature of the vocal/riff interplay in the chorus make this song very memorable and one of my favourites on the album.‘Outside In’ is more of an interlude than song and sees Hans going off in an almost psychedelic direction. ‘Spirit of the Land’ tells of his simultaneous concern and hope for the next generation and showcases Hans’ vocal talent with long, extended notes. All through there are subtle inclusion of sounds; use of droning, atmospheric synthesisers and environmental samples. This album is a clever mix of traditional song writing and instrumentation, with modern samples, layered harmonies and flawless production.

  • Absolutely one of the best CDs of 2005!
    author: Mike Mueller

    I can't stop playing this CD! "Listen to the Moon" is a song that I consider to be "timeless." It opens up the rest of the CD - which is just fantastic. I love Hans' guitar and rythmns - the CD is brillantly produced and mixed to perfection. My highest "thumbs-up", Hans, Great work!

  • Beautiful songwriting -- masterful arrangements
    author: Eric Goetz

    Hans is truly a world-class musician. This is his best album, yet. Every song is strong, but the best is Listen To The Moon, with a memorable melody and touching lyrics. Hans' influences are all over the map, but maybe the closest comparison might be Paul Simon. On this album, one hears everything from Brazilian percussion, to rock drums - from string bass, to harp. But, the backbone of the arrangments is Hans' stellar acoustic guitar playing. There are also some great McCartney-inspired piano-based songs, as well. Yet with all of the variety of instruments, the arrangements are still simple and beautiful, showing off Hans' masterful songwriting.

  • I hear something new everytime I listen to this CD
    author: Judy Ellis

    I'm not a musician but I can tell when tunes and lyrics are unique, compelling,thought provoking, and continue playing in your head. Every time I play Inside Out, I hear something new. My favorite tune is Listen to the Moon.

  • “Inside Out” is an adult contemporary jazzy rock album that weaves and pops in g
    author: Smother.Net

    Performing with a tuning of DADGAD, Hans York is no stranger to eclectic and youthful energy. “Inside Out” is an adult contemporary jazzy rock album that weaves and pops in great hooks. As a singer/songwriter he displays strong command of smooth arrangements. After having spent six months in Rio de Janeiro studying bossa nova, samba, and Brazilian pop he composed his first solo album “Hazzazar” and its follow-up “Sau Gut”. When he isn’t playing guitar alongside US National Scottish Fiddle Champion Jamie Laval, Hans York is busy crafting and honing his spiritual pop-rock tunes with a soul all his own.

  • Cozy, contemplative, catchy -- a great all around listen !
    author: Ann N

    The album is full of imagery and story. Some songs put me in a relaxing & lazy headspace, and some made me feel an intense need to contemplate. EMPTY TIN is a must listen, to be done over and over again. The album flowed smoothly from first listen and has only gotten better with each turn through the CD changer.

  • This is an album I can't stop listening to!
    author: Maria Kramer

    Every song sounds familiar though I've never heard them or anything quite like it before. As I hear each song I'm taken on a journey...I feel like I'm looking out of the window on a long road trip and this is the music I would hear.

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