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Michael Henson is a Chicago based fingerstyle guitarist whose compositions draw upon a variety of influences. Flying Colors, a self produced solo release, is a CD containing 14 original fingerstyle guitar instrumentals which incorporate elements of various styles of music, including ragtime, Irish, Latin, blues, and contemporary folk. This recording includes eight solo pieces and five duets, all of which are studio performances on steel sting acoustic guitar, and one Latin piece performed live on classical guitar. Following is an excerpt from Bridge Guitar Review: Michael Henson, Flying Colors CD This finger style guitarist from Oak Park,(IL) USA impresses with his debut solo acoustic album Flying Colors...The first piece of this album, Up the Ante, is pure and dedicated ragtime guitar with a strong rhythmic feeling and has a nice bass pattern. Michael's approach to ragtime and finger style is very direct with some Celtic impact, which invites you to dance. Blue Note is a charming blues composition on slide guitar with superb blues harp playing, with a nice groove. Flying Colors has a solid and intimate character with a terrific melody line. Caribou has sublime percussive elements in a solid cadence and rich harmonics. Shadows & Light embodies a profound melody with acclaimed cello playing...Lluvia Negra is played live on a classical guitar accompanied by the acoustic world music trio Heartlands, which is an impressive mix of World and Folk music. Close at Hand and Martha's Theme affects one by the unique stylistic approach to finger style music, which is very refreshing, uplifting and shows Michael's rousing knowledge towards guitar arrangements. Michael Henson manages to move a listener in 14 varied compositions in his own astonishing guitar signature. A talent we will have to nurture. Henk te Veldhuis Bridge Guitar Reviews 2/29/04.
