Inside Out

"… elegant, intuitive, and delightful."

     

Hans York’s first English release is elegant, intuitive, and delightful. His many years of global musicianship pay off richly in these engaging and diverse songs. He has assembled a band of players equally sensitive, and together they offer up the distinctive, brilliant music that is the perfectly produced Inside Out. One of the most compelling traits of this music is its intimacy. York’s vocals are smooth, clear and seductive, reminiscent of Michael Franks. He easily captures your attention alone or in his perfect pairing with the similarly wonderful Elke Diepenbeck. Together they are unstoppable, a sweet force of nature. There’s a great mix of genres and influences sprinkled throughout the CD. Some flawless waltzes (the definitive “California Waltz”), jazzy pop songs with Brazilian influence, and several eclectic ballads make for a potpourri of perfection. Guest artists are well placed throughout; check out Orville Johnson’s slide guitar work on “Miss You,” and the amazing harp solo on the haunting standout track “Listen to the Moon.” Pardon my rave, but Hans York’s lovely first English album is simply stunning, that’s all there is to it.