Album Notes

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