Michael Henson
Fingerprints
© 2005 Song and Dance Productions (837101062657)
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Original acoustic fingerstyle guitar instrumentals on six and twelve string guitar, incorporating a variety of musical styles and influences, including Irish, Latin, blues, ragtime, and comtempory folk.
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In 2004, Chicago based acoustic fingerstyle guitarist Michael Henson released Flying Colors, a CD containing 14 original guitar instrumentals incorporating a diversity of musical styles and influences. In 2005 he follows in a similar vein with Fingerprints, once again a collection of fingerstyle instrumentals covering a variety of musical genres, but this time directing as much focus on his song writing as on his guitar playing.
The ensemble pieces on Fingerprints were written with particular supporting musicians in mind, so as to play into their strengths and individual style. The guitar solos were intended as stand alone pieces, where a simple stated melody is supported by a defined rhythm, sometimes implying another instrument in the "mind's ear" of the listener. The result is an integration of diverse musical styles, textures, and sounds created by six string and 12 string guitar, and supported by dobro, flamenco guitar, cello, fiddle, harmonica, sitar, bass, and ethnic percussion.
Following is an excerpt from Bridge Guitar Reviews:
Michael Henson Fingerprints -
July 2005
Michael Henson's debut album Flying Colors received critical acclaim by the press and his fans. Michael Henson just released his second album, Fingerprints, and one notices even a better approach in composing skills and melody line building skills. He presents a variety of styles including ragtime, blues, Latin, fingerstyle, and folk music. Quarter Past Seven, the opening track, has a flowing ambiance. Land's End Lullaby, played on a 12 string guitar, evokes a nice calming character and a melancholic setup with the additional cello... On Blackjack, Michael gets assistance from Steve Doyle on dobro in a 21 bar blues progression. Hawaiian Serenade is influenced by the serenity of Hawaiian slack guitar music. Razor's Edge is pure blues with a blues harmonica so really captivating. Ryan's Hornpipe is a typical Irish jig which invites one to dance along. High Wire has a characteristic 12 string guitar sound is as well as some moody, melancholic touches. Over the Lea has a solid cadenced rhythm with Irish moods. Departure, the last track on this album, is the most expressive composition with an addition of bass and a perfect interaction with his musicians, creating a soothing, Oriental effect. Michael Henson has the ability to play almost any style in top notch compositions in a sublime atmosphere.
Henk te Veldhuis
Bridge Guitar Reviews
The Netherlands
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Henson is the finger prince!
author: John WorshamUnlike other listeners I knew Mike Henson before he played guitar. He listened to Jim Olander, Chris Rodriguez and myself at Belmont College, in Nashville. We never thought he would be the player to be reckoned with as time passed! He absorbs every influence around him and digests it and presents it with its own flavor. I feel very fortunate to have been even a minor influence in his musical career. I would also love the opportunity to work in the studio with him. I have both of his CDs and thoroughly enjoyed them with equal enthusiasm. Like all good CDs, I keep hearing something new with every listen. I hope you enjoy listening to it like I do.
Great to relax again........
author: Billy BluesharkThis is a beautiful and sensitive piece of work. All the music gives space and respect to the instruments used. Play this CD in the car to give yourself time to dream and appreciate sounds.
Henson leaves brilliant fingerprints on his new CD
author: Jim HaptonstahlHenson shows technical mastery over six and twelve string guitars, while displaying compositional inventiveness and skill in his exceptional new CD. While his songs are rooted in a finger-style approach, he covers--with uncommon ease--a wide range of musical styles. He gives plenty of space to a variety of guest artists to flex their own musical muscles. One can hear everything from a resonant cello to an ethereal sitar, or a soulful fiddle playing off a bluesy slide guitar...with Henson supplying understated but highly skillful accompaniment. I especially enjoyed pieces featuring Henson's 12-string guitar, with special tunings combining with intricate playing to produce an at-times haunting quality. I hear everything from Bensusan to Adkins influences in Henson's playing...and that ain't too shabby. Well worth scarfing up this CD!
amazing and brilliant
author: Dorothy Oweni just sat and listened...from start to finish. breathtaking. style, rhythm, originality, flavour...it's all there. music that you can feel, music that consumes you...delicious music.