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KYLE HENDERSON – Brand New Chance
(2013 Self-Release)
Buy the CD here.
Read a profile on Kyle Henderson here.
Former Producers’ vocalist Kyle Henderson’s second release since relocating to Madison in 2007 is not a surprise: classy vocals, tight arrangements, outstanding musicianship and catchy tunes. It’s also not a surprise how he quickly endeared himself to many in the city, becoming a standout on the local music scene. What is surprising is how intensely this album can rock. Henderson’s music is not just the blues, which he has come to be known for. He moves seamlessly, like good vocalists can do, from blues to rock to soul to pop.
One of the best things Henderson did since his arrival was to hook up with Michael Ripp. The guitarist is the perfect foil to Henderson and his playing is nothing short of spectacular. Check his solo on the rocking “Walkin’ Shoes” and his David Gilmour-infected playing on the slow-burning blues selection “Takes a World to Make a Man.” Then there’s the very “Gimme Shelter”/Rolling Stones vibe of “Good People” where Henderson and Ripp lock grooves like Taylor and Richards.
Henderson’s band (bassist John Christiansen and drummer Chris Sandoval in addition to Ripp) plays their respective roles very well. Several of the tracks also benefit from the presence of Jimmy Voegeli who adds organ and piano. Henderson’s vocals are still strong, emotive, soulfully compelling and the absolute center of these eleven songs. Brand New Chance was expertly recorded at Makin’ Sausage Studios in Milwaukee by Steve Hamilton, who also co-produced along with Henderson.
Henderson re-recorded two tracks from his 2011 album Life Goes On (read a review here); the playful “Watch Her Dance” and, most surprisingly, “Aeroplane.” That track gets positively transformed from a pop song gem to a classic/blues-rock workout.
“Brand New Chance” epitomizes what Henderson is all about. Intense and soulful, the song – and the notion – reveal his outlook and where the man is on his journey. Henderson is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and he puts it all into his performance. Madison has been fortunate to inherit this consummate professional.
