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Songs from "Energy of slaves"

Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2003 6:16 pm
by Henning
Lyrics now at http://www.tea-and-oranges.de/eos - Release date set to September 4

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2003 2:06 am
by Anne
I can't wait to hear it, Henning.

Bravo

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2003 3:29 am
by babz
I, too, await your 'masterpiece' with great anticipation.
Love
Babz

Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2003 5:29 pm
by Andrew (Darby)
Henning

Exciting news - good on you! :D

I can't wait to hear it all. Those who know the labour of love and single-mindedness this represents, I'm sure will be proud of you! 8)

Cheers
Andrew (Darby)

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2003 4:18 am
by lizzytysh
Excellent, Henning. Now if I can get the missing cord [not chord :wink: ] that appears to be the culprit in my not getting any sound out of my computer.

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 4:20 am
by Andrew (Darby)
NEWSFLASH!

I count it a privilege and honour to now (so soon) have in my possession Henning's Songs from "Energy of Slaves", which I've already listened to 4 times!

I think it is FABULOUS - Henning (& Lino) deserve whatever accolades they get for this great (first) effort :!: It beautifully captures that special Cohen feeling that is so critical for such a project, but with Henning's own unique voice & style - and to think that he has been so apologetic about it! Despite the production limitations, I think Henning has a small masterpiece with this album and LC will probably be thinking to himself that he should perhaps have thought of putting some of these poetry selections, as well as some of his other poems, to music as well! :wink: (Oh well, you can't do everything.)

So saying, I would highly recommend you order a copy from Henning - see LC Files for further info & email address etc.

Cheers :D
Andrew (Darby)

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:00 am
by lizzytysh
Now, there's a review for you! I look forward to hearing this. When I get time, I'll get the details and send off for it. Thanks, Andrew.

Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2003 7:03 pm
by Andrew McGeever
I fully endorse Andrew Darby's comments re "Songs from Energy of Slaves, although I've only heard "Wisdom" to date.
Congratulations, Henning! It must indeed have been a "labour of love".
I particularly like the piano accompaniment: Leonard's lyrics, while usually sung and recorded to guitar-based music, nevertheless can be enhanced with sensitive piano accompaniment, as in the case of "Wisdom".
So all you Cohenites out there, get a copy!
Andrew.

Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 5:08 pm
by Andrew (Darby)
Andrew (Darby) wrote: So saying, I would highly recommend you order a copy from Henning - see LC Files for further info & email address etc.
Oops, it was remiss of me to not also refer you to Henning's own web-site: http://www.tea-and-oranges.de for these details! :oops:

Cheers :)
Andrew (Darby)

Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2003 5:47 pm
by Henning
Hello Andrews and all,

I want you to know that the piano and instruments on the CD are Lino's work ! I only manage to play a few chords on the guitar. So all the songs were composed on the guitar. For "Wisdom" Lino suggested the piano to take over. And so it did.

Leonard used to compose all his songs on the guitar. This changed with "I'm your man" when he started to use the keyboard for compositions.

After "Ten new songs" I heard that he plans to go back to the roots for the next CD and do some guitar-based songs again. But what do we know ?

Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2003 5:13 am
by lizzytysh
We may know as we suspect.

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2003 3:49 pm
by Kush
When I heard "Wisdom" I knew I had to get hold of this CD and now I have it. And it has exceeded my expectations. This is not just putting music to words....great care was taken in composing the melodies. After 4-5 listens - the first one made the rush hour drive home yesterday (with a diversion to the chinese takeout) quite a pleasurable experience - it appears there is abundant variation of melody to keep the listener coming back. And yet not too much so that the album has a theme in lyrics and melody and doesnt sound like a bunch of songs put together as an album.
The style is clearly influenced by early Cohen and captures the essence of his early albums while retaining a certain individuality that is quite different from Cohen. In the last track (Prayer) Henning sounds eerily like the early LC himself in Lady Midnight. As for the apologies of home production etc., the good stuff stands out irrespective of home or studio production. And this is as good as it gets. For the record, Springsteen's groundbreaking album, Nebraska, was cut in his bedroom.
I have to admit that I did find the accent/phrasing a little odd on the first listen but that is very quickly gotten used to. I am still looking for the banging door :D.
I would strongly recommend this album.
how long did this effort take from conception to product ? This is obviously a more involved and creative endeavor than all but the most inventive of Cohen covers.

Kudos by Kush

Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2003 6:48 pm
by babz
Wow Henning, you need Kush to PR your Stateside
Promo Tour! Thanks Kush.

Babz

Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2003 11:05 pm
by dick
Linda and I wish to add our huge applause to the kind words about Henning's cd. It is an awesome accomplishment and highly enjoyable time after time --- the highest test I think for an album. Get it.

I haven't heard the door yet either!!

Dick

Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2003 3:35 am
by Bobbie
Henning dear ~

You have outdone yourself. Since August, when you sent me that prized advance copy, I have listened maybe 100 times... maybe more... never tiring of it, never bored by it, always wanting to hear more and more, always hearing something different that I didn't hear before... thank you so much for this brilliant masterpiece. I do hope Leonard listens to your very wonderful and unique labour of love.. and thank you so much, dear friend, for giving us such a gift.

Love,
Bobbie