New CD Hank

[Emiel Visser]

Hi,

I listened to the previews, or better said the for listenings, of the new CD.
I must say is played perfect, arranged beautiful, typical Hank's sound.
But...........it is more of the same of what we know, just the tunes are different.
We know his sound, his equipment, the perfect backings, but I miss the vivacity, the spirit, the inspiration and above all "IT".

Sorry, if I hurt some of your feelings, but I think it is a missed change to reinventing himself as he did many times before.

I wonder if I'm the only one who feels like this.

Regards,
Emiel

[Cruachan]

Hi Emiel,

I don't believe you are alone in how you are feeling about this latest release. My reaction was somewhat the same. Indeed, my reaction was more one of disappointment that Hank had not taken the opportunity to produce something fresh to fuel his fans' interest in the Maestro as his playing continues to evolve. We all acknowledge his mastery of the instrument and we are all too aware of his movement in recent times towards gypsy jazz. I confess I'm not really a fan of the latter genre but can appreciate and applaud the different skill sets learned to execute it well. Perhaps in future he might consider revisiting some of his previous work and experiment by giving them more of a gypsy flavour which would serve to maintain his interest and enthusiasm while, at the same time, and hopefully, stimulating our appreciation of his more contemporary musical offerings.

I fear he may have decided to play safe with this collection. Perfect execution, as we have come to expect, and superb production as always. I have no doubt that it will sell very well and it is likely that was the intention all along. Regrettably, we live in a world which is defined all too often by commercial successes and failures. Perhaps, in the end, certain realities determined the nature of this release and taking a risk was not really a sensible option. Hank still fronts a huge loyal fan base, myself included, and certainly substantial numbers will be buying this CD, if only because it's very nature reassures everyone that he has not strayed permanently from his roots.

Glad to see he hasn't lost his sense of humour, though 😀

Regards,
Mike

[kipper]

“You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”.” . peter

[Stu's Dad]

I think at this stage of his life he's doing what I'd be doing, just enjoying himself playing music he likes. In fact, it's what we all do now, Hank's just got the advantage of being able to make a few bob out of it, and I don't blame him.

Len

[Emiel Visser]

Hi,

It seems to some of you that I criticized the quality of the CD or his playing.
That is not the case. I just said that I don't experienced the spirit or whatever you call it.
This is more of the same, like The Shadows did with albums like Hits Right Up Your Street, Life In The Jungle, etc.
There is, of course, nothing wrong with that, but we all know Hank wrote many beautiful tunes and it looks that he chose for the easy way. I can't believe the record company pressed him to do so, I think he is independent.
Let's face it, the word wide sales won't be spectacular, it's just for those who are familiar with his and that kind of music.
But he is surely not the only guitarist who is repeating him self, Clapton, Knopfler, etc.
And again there is nothing wrong with that, I'm just a bit disappointed because I expected a bit more.

But maybe is it just me.

Regards,
Emiel