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| Hans York Wins New Folk Songwriter Honor German-born, Seattle-based, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Hans York recently won one of six spots in the Grassy Hill New Folk songwriter competition which enabled him to perform earlier this month at the renowned Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. The festival has been an annual tradition since 1972 and lasts 18 days in May and June hosting numerous and varied singer/songwriters. Major label artists including Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Michelle Shocked, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Robert Earl Keen, Lucinda Williams, and Nancy Griffith played Kerrville early in their careers. Today, you may still see artists such as Peter Paul & Mary, Judy Collins and Janis Ian performing at Kerrville. Hans is honored and thrilled by his win and it's timed perfectly for the upcoming release of his wonderfully fresh acoustic pop meets folk album Young Amelia. The record is a low-key gem showcasing York's impressive acoustic guitar playing, appealing tenor and strong songwriting skills. His approach to the guitar blends jazz, folk and Classical European styles into a sound that's both familiar and unique. Self-produced and recorded live in the studio in a mere two and a half days with the help of some talented friends (credits below), Young Amelia showcases York's distinctive guitar sound, full of rhythmic and melodic flourishes that impress without overwhelming the songs. York favors open tunings, which give his playing an expansive feel, marked by full, round notes and chiming overtones. Web music research authority All Music Guide in describing the new album declares "The music itself is sublime, as gentle as a summer's breeze, one can easily lose oneself in its serene beauty, but listen closer and one discovers a complex world of sound." York's remarkable musicianship and low-key charisma make his shows a wonderful experience for the audience. The artist has an impressive and eclectic resume. He backed Robert Palmer on German TV, played duets with jazz, Celtic and Classical harp player Rüdiger Oppermann, and performed as a soloist on fretless bass with the Ars Quittilinga Chamber Orchestra. York co-founded the German world music band Moka Efti, recording three CDs with them. In Germany, he's a well-known session player contributing to more than 40 albums. The North American release of Young Amelia and touring in support of the album should increase Hans York's profile in his adopted country. He has remained a hidden gem for too long. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |