Hank Hehmsoth: Pianist, Composer, and Visionary Artist
The release of pianist Hank Hehmsoth’s acclaimed debut H-Project signaled the arrival of a singular new voice in Texas jazz, and his single The Way Up delivered on that promise by solidifying Hehmsoth’s status as a rising star who was taking the music someplace new. Featuring his acoustic quartet Double Vision (Showcase at SXSW) with flute/saxophonist John Mills, bassist Utah Hamrick, and drummer Aaron Easley, his new album Blu-Escape showcases the group’s intuitive interplay and expanded the musical possibilities of where a modern jazz quartet might go by delving even further into his roots in art music. Blu-Escape reinforces Hehmsoth’s reputation as a distinctive composer whose unique harmonic imprint and affecting melodies are apparent on the album’s nine original tunes including the edgy opener “Blu-Escape,” the mesmerizing “Chernobyl Cha Cha,” the Santa Fe influenced “Turquoise Rendezvous,” and “Sophie’s Danse,” a dedication to his cat Sophie. The album’s cover art also shows the diversity of Hehmsoth’s artistry. What truly distinguishes Hehmsoth's creative expression is his seamless integration of music and visual art. Drawing inspiration from classical, world, and avant-garde jazz, he crafts compositions that push the boundaries of convention. As an accomplished abstract painter, Hehmsoth produces large-scale artworks that serve as both companions and enhancers to his musical creations. This innovative synergy is palpable in notable works such as “Chernobyl Cha Cha”, “Circling In”, “Blu-Escape”, “Cabo”, and “Code Blue”. In these compositions, the marriage of music and visual art creates a unique and immersive creative experience that captivates audiences.
With meticulous attention to detail at every turn, the album, recorded and mixed by Chris Bell and mastered by Oli Morgan at Abbey Road Studios, will grace listeners' ears in Apple ALAC High Def and Apple Spatial Audio in distribution. This spring, it will debut in a Classic Vinyl Edition, with limited, numbered, and signed records. This , overseen by the esteemed Jeff Powell and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal, marks the culmination of its journey. From the initial spark of composition to a year of live performances with Double Vision, every facet of this recording has been nurtured with care by an exceptional team of artists and engineers, resulting in a truly remarkable masterpiece.
A note from Hank:
From my early days playing keys and sax alongside Christopher Cross to touring with iconic bands like The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, my musical odyssey has been nothing short of exhilarating. Along the way, I've shared the stage with legends like Beverly Sills, Jack Lemmon, and Paul Simon, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
On my versatility—I've lent my talents to everything from Broadway productions like Disney's "Beauty & the Beast" to the soul-stirring melodies of Philip Glass' compositions. You may have even heard my piano solos in the mesmerizing "La La Land - In Concert."
