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Songs from Nowhere - a 5 EP set available for order or download
Latest News - Jan 2010
Songs from Nowhere - Now available as CD EPs or downloads Visit Shop for details.
Father Hen have just recorded their new EP in true style (6 great tracks in 2 days). Mixing is complete and release is due in the next few weeks.
In 1988 Father Hen walked into the Troubadour Recording Studio to record a 3 track demo. (Gordon King - Vocals & bass guitar, Gary Grant - lead guitar, Jim Lillis - rythm guitar and Scott King - drums).
So impressed was the Producer with their sound, edgy and inventive music, incredible writing prowess and live performance, that he commissioned the band to produce their first album. Less than a year later, they were being chased by several major Record Labels and Publishing Companies to sign a deal.
During a showcase gig at the Powerhaus in London, disaster struck when Gordon King tore his vocal chords while performing (against his better judgement), with a cold. Jimmy Lillis (guitarist) left the band soon after and was replaced by Richard Shanahan on keyboards. While awaiting recovery, Gordon King and the band went on to record another album as a live session at Troubadour. The live session was yet another triumph of creative ingenuity. Unfortunately recovery took too long and over 2 years later, the band and the deals were gone.
Nearly 20 years later, in 2008, Gordon King took a phone call from Chris Sellars (Troubadour Producer), asking if he would consider the release of the original recordings. Gordon King, who was now writing and performing with some new musicians, friends and family, managed to track down the original band members and a meeting was arranged to consider the offer. Everyone agreed that the music was better released than to lay dormant in a studio vault.
Soon afterwards pure serendipity played its part and Gary Grant re-joined Father Hen, adding that signature guitar sound back into the mix. Very soon it became clear that what had developed was a Father Hen collective featuring core live members; Gordon King (vocals & rythm guitar), Gray Grant (lead guitar), John Conway (Accordian & Banjo), Sean Kettle (Harmonica and backing vocals), Ciaran King (drums) and Connell King (Bass and backing vocals) While Jim Lillis, Scott King and Richard Shanahan joined forces for particular projects.
October 2009 saw the release of the Original recordings to all the major download sites and the band were back in the studio, recording their next 6 tracks.
In a strange twist of fate, there is now a chance to witness one of the most inventive musical collectives that so very nearly vanished without trace.
Of this band, Chris Sellars writes; 'Not once during my time working in the music industry have I seen a band who can write an entire quality song, complete with finished lyrics within 20 minutes and repeat this feat session after session. To say thay are Prolific would be an understatement. The music is emotional, passionate, dramatic and intelligent. The release of these recordings is long overdue. When you listen to them, bear in mind that many are 'one-take' live sessions with no overdubs. Enjoy...........
At long last Father Hen returns.
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