Henri Herbert - You Say EP

  by Lisa Torem

published: 10 / 4 / 2016

Label: HH Records
Format: CDS

intro

French-born but British-based pianist/performer and ex-Jim Jones and the Revue member Henri Herbert packs a ton of creativity into second solo EP, 'You Say'

When Henri Herbert studied in Nottingham, he was not there to become a scholar in boogie-woogie piano, but ultimately his first love prevailed. Herbert spent hours as a young man, listening to and being captivated by his father’s vast rock and roll collection. Primarily self-taught and wildly ambitious, he practiced hours a day after becoming transfixed with American players, Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino. He also learned to appreciate the arrangements of jazz genius, Oscar Peterson. Former Jim Jones and the Revue member Herbert’s last EP ‘Wired’ received critical acclaim by both rock and blues zines. His new EP, ‘You Say’ includes the talents of drummer Nick Jones and French bassist Lucas Itie. The opener, ‘She Thinks She Do’, is a real rocker with truly original words: “Black hair running five feet down to the floor,” he wails about his new love as his clear, sensual voice rises above the ever bouncing chords and strident bass tones. Title song ‘You Say’ is another one with a hard-driving beat and straight-ahead lyrics. When the A section shifts magically to a minor key, it is breathtaking. ‘Chicago Sound’ features sweeping harmonies, a tear-stained instrumental break and confessional lyrics, which are especially potent when Herbert reveals that he has put his “worn out dreams behind me.” This may be the quintessential road song. The last song, ‘Lonely Man Blues’, also reflects the trials of travel. But on this ballad, Herbert paints pictures of the quirky, aimless characters he runs across between shows. Essentially, Herbert shows a lot of depth and insight throughout, with the common thread being that his piano playing is consistently raw and inventive and his persuasive voice can coin toss between The King and Cash at any given moment, whilst always sounding genuine. Overall, there is a lot of creativity packed into these four contagious songs, which were co-written with his talented mates. In 2016, Herbert will perform at SXSW and support ‘You Say’ with both US and UK tours.

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