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From Our Religions We'll Be Free! Rock (progressive), Singer-Songwriter, and Multi-genre original by The Kurt Henry Band
Kurt Henry, now a time-tested music veteran, a multi-faceted guitar virtuoso, and a passionate literary scholar to boot, might tell you to stop casting your eyes skyward, and get yourself a mirror—and it seems that Coleridge, one of Henry’s deepest inspirations, would agree. The moral, Henry asserts, lies within rather than without.
On the newest offering from the Kurt Henry Band, From Our Religions We’ll Be Free, Henry engineers his most compelling and far-reaching testimony to date. Much like the message it delivers, the music cuts a wide swath: whimsy and pain, dalliance and heartbreak, frustration and bliss. Henry puts his adroit band through its musical paces, traveling through a range of genres and dynamics from straight-ahead roots folk to progressive jazz. Still, there is an upwelling of raw veracity that binds this collection of songs into a true album, undeniably steeped in the 60s themselves. Not in pursuit of idealism, however, says Henry—rather, in celebration of the romantic, the human aspect that the era exemplified. “It’s about my romanticism of the period—in fact, I believe the 60s rediscovered the romantics,” offers Henry, a fanatical student of 18th and 19th century Romantic poetry. “People really did try, and I remain touched by that.”
At the core of this outing’s success, fittingly, is the more-than-capable group of human beings Henry has assembled. This is the third consecutive recording that features the locked-down rhythm section of Alan Groth on bass and Eric Parker on drums. Henry and Groth first joined forces in the 70s, playing together in the celebrated New Paltz band, The Womblers, and their deep connection in the interplay of the band is evident. The addition of the tempered, driving drumming of Parker, whose resume includes work with the likes of Steve Winwood and Joe Cocker, made this a truly complete unit. Rounding out the troupe are the harmonies of Cheryl Lambert, Henry’s wife and constant singing partner. Always true to theme, Henry encourages a freely collaborative creative environment—one which consistently pays dividends in the lush layers of sound that end up in the studio. Parker also takes production credits for this record, as he did on 2008’s Heart, Mind and All, both albums recorded at Mark Dann’s Woodstock studio. The result is a cohesive, almost unconscious melding of minds that suffuses the album’s journey. “You know what’s funny?” says Henry with a smile, “to be honest, we really like each other. We play for the playing.”
All in all, however, the voyage of Religions begins and ends with Henry’s lyrics and arrangements. Echoing the assertions of Coleridge, who is honored in the album’s hauntingly lyrical final track, “Frost at Midnight”, Henry pleads with the listener to take stock of the genuine power of the human heart and mind.
It is the variety of vehicles that Henry employs that makes this record both an entertaining and thought-provoking encounter. A telling example is the progressive-rock deftness and multiple time signatures of the rollicking “Julia in Running Shoes”, inviting an intimate look into the invigorating playfulness of romance. This is followed immediately by the despondent heartache, punctuated by Sebastian’s dolefully emotive harp, of “Julia Left”. “Mind Your Business”, perhaps the record’s most powerful track, features Rice’s resplendent Hammond going bar-for-bar with Henry’s guitar in a classic-rock-inspired jam that harkens to Winwood’s Traffic.
Henry provides a clear path to his message, and the band’s range, in the opening title track, “From Our Religions We’ll Be Free”. Combining crisp interpretative jazz phrases reminiscent of the late Michael Brecker, and the earnest call for unity and peace that would have been right at home on the stage at Woodstock, Henry makes his appeal for reason over doctrine. “Strip off all of our illusions/and what’s left is harmony.”
--Greg Schoenfeld, Roll Magazine
Flaming June2017 Multi-genre original, Rock (progressive), and Singer-Songwriter
A joyous, far-reaching celebration of all musical types, from jazz to R&B, Celtic to roots rock, funk to country. It's a musical olive branch from America to the world, emphasizing peace and unity.
Heart, Mind & All2008 Rock (progressive), Multi-genre original, and Americana
If you like poetic lyrics and strong, sweet melody but you need it with a shot of burbon and a beat, this might become a favorite album. Featured are David Sancious, Larry Packer, & Eric Parker.
Love's Enough2004 Americana, Multi-genre original, and Rock (progressive)
Love's Enough features Kurt Henry (songwriter, guitar, vocals),Steve Burgh (mandolin, guitar, Hammond organ), Alan Groth (bass), and Eric Parker (drums). This CD moves hearts, minds and feet!
