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The Sounding Board by R J Lannan |
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RJ Lannan is the reviewer for The Sounding Board. |
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| Tree Of Life |
| By Brian Henke |
| Label: Vision Quest Records |
| Released 9/2/2009 |
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It All Make Sense |
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If there is one thing we have learned in the last couple of decades, it is the importance of trees to the planet. Further observation reminds us of how much our life is intertwined with the sinuous branches, mottled green leaves and plunging roots of trees. There are family trees, suburban branches and deep-seated roots just to name a few. And let us not forget the Ents.
Springing up blithely from his last album, The Nature of Light, harp-guitarist Brian Henke offers us Tree of Life. On this remarkable contemporary/folk album, he not only displays his prodigious talent for his instrument, but also his incredible passion. His talent knows no bounds as he proffers his sometimes pastoral, sometimes folksy music. Every note contains the beating of his musician's heart. His natural themes nourish the listener with music and spirit. Frankly, this is just great guitar as well as outstanding compositions.
Brian hits upon all the seasons, but his opener The Autumn Tree is wonderful. It is sweetly flowing and you can picture the crisp shades of gold, the bright tangy oranges and the dramatic crimson reds of fall. But he does not let you forget the fading greens of the proceeding seasons that started it all. There is the feeling of a light wind to stir the leafy jewels about and, a fading warmth, the harbinger of winter that is to come. This is one of my favorites on the recording.
Dancing Shadows of the Falling Snow is another noteworthy tune. Soft, quiet and awe inspiring, the tune lets you lightly drift into winter. There is a peace to be found inside the snowfall and the uniqueness of the individual flakes that join together to make a feast for the eyes. Brian’s tune allows it to fall gently on your spirit, to calm you and sooth you.
I think that Brian has provided comfort food for the soul hidden inside his music. There is something warm and reassuring about the title tune, Tree of Life. It translates into an emotional journey of sorts; one that everyone must make in their lives. Fortunately for us this one has a happy ending.
There is a deliberate busyness to the tune Ant Hill Under The Sky. Henke's harp guitar echoes boldly that there is work to be done, but with a smirk of merriment in the offering. The song has a sunny slant, but keeps in mind what happened to the grasshopper. This song is just plain fun.
I really liked the cut, The Summer Tree. There is something strong and bold and yet, tender to the tune. There is an old pin oak in the corner of my front yard. I use it for everything. It is a visual clue as to how close I am to where I want to be. I see the oak and think "I am home." I use it to gage the passing of the seasons, and I see in it the first green blush of spring, the leafy heat of summer and the fading colors of fall. This pin oak keeps its brown leaves on until the spring so I always have something to remind me that life goes on.
Brian actually saved the best for last for the song Olley All Ye In Come Free is the best of the best. This is probably the most complex tune on The Tree of Life, and yet it is the most comforting. I remember as a kid those hot summer nights in Massachusetts when we all played hide-and-seek and we were warned to get home before the electric street lights came on. So Olley All Ye In Come Free was hollered just before dark. It was a reminder that there was family watching out for you all the time. There is no more important value in life than knowing someone is waiting for you because you are loved. The music tells all.
Brian is a real-life wandering minstrel, traveling all around the state of Ohio and beyond to share his music. He is the purveyor of the harp-guitar, four extra thick strings mounted on their own fret board that adds a bassy and rather welcome dimension to the music. Because of the masterful guitar playing, the ever-bright themes and the warmth of his compositions, I highly recommend this album and it is going on my 2010 Top Ten list. Watch for further reviews.
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Rating: Excellent  |
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- reviewed by RJ Lannan on 2/6/2010 |
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