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Emerging from the vibrant musical town of Malvern in Worcestershire, Hennesea is a five-piece new-folk rock band that has captivated audiences with their electrifying live performances and captivating sound. Their music, a harmonious blend of original new folk compositions and timeless covers, is a testament to their passion for creating music that resonates with listeners.
Soon thereafter, the duo was joined by Mark Keene on guitar and Garry Low on drums and percussion, forming the core of the band. Mark and Garry have been integral to Hennesea’s sound, providing a solid foundation for their music.
In 2013, Hennesea released their second EP, Shine On, adding a touch of rock influence to their already dynamic sound. This EP marked a turning point for the band, showcasing their versatility and ability to seamlessly blend genres.
Their debut full-length album, Book of Life, was released in 2015, showcasing their musical maturity and ability to craft cohesive and captivating songs. The album features a baker’s dozen of eclectic ensemble pieces, ranging from the winsome title track to the majestic Light Above the Sea, featuring Martin Furey of The High Kings on backing vocals and flute.
Garry Low, a skilled recording engineer, has been responsible for engineering and producing Hennesea’s releases, ensuring that their music is captured with the utmost clarity and precision.
With the addition of guest musicians, Hennesea ventured into new musical territories, embracing both folk and blues influences. Their third EP, One Fine Day, released in the summer of 2014, further demonstrated their adaptability and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes.
Since 2019, Hennesea has been joined on stage by Rob Murray Mason, who began as the group’s sound mixer but quickly transitioned into playing percussion and providing backing vocals. Rob’s addition has added a new dimension to Hennesea’s live sound, further enhancing their dynamic performances.
Hennesea’s origins can be traced back to 2011 when Anna Watts and Jane Devereaux embarked on a musical journey together. Their first release, an EP titled “Lost for Words,” showcased Anna’s songwriting prowess with six original tracks.
Watch Hennesea. The stylish film noir ‘La Femme Fatale’ features the song Faisons Comme Si.
In 2016, Ralph Tittley joined Hennesea on bass guitar and backing vocals, further solidifying the band’s lineup. With Ralph on board, Hennesea embarked on a series of successful gigs and festivals, including the BBC stage at Lakefest, Mappfest, Sunshine Festival, Malvern Rocks and Cwm Fest.
Their latest album, Laced with Gold, was released in January 2021, showcasing their continued growth and evolution as a musical force. The album features the singles The Same Tune and Faisons Comme Si, further solidifying their reputation as a band that delivers high-quality music that resonates with listeners.
Hennesea has forged a strong chemistry that translates into their live performances, creating an electrifying atmosphere for their devoted fans. Hennesea’s musical journey continues to unfold, with each performance and release adding another chapter to their story. Their dedication to creating music that is both captivating and heartfelt ensures that they will continue to inspire and connect with audiences for years to come.
Anna’s new book, Singing for Supper: A Busker’s Tale, chronicles her remarkable journey from her early, formative years to her current life as a successful musician. The book takes readers on an intimate voyage through Anna’s experiences as a busker, traveling extensively through Greece and Australia, and sharing her heartfelt songs with the world.
Anna’s story begins in her youth, a time marked by both joy and sorrow. The loss of her mother to cancer left an indelible mark on her young life, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of the world at a tender age. Despite these challenges, Anna possessed an indomitable spirit and a deep passion for music, which would guide her through difficult times and shape her future path.
Driven by a desire for adventure and a yearning for connection, Anna embarked on a journey of self-discovery, taking to the streets of Greece and Australia with her guitar in hand. She embraced the life of a busker, sharing her music with passersby and immersing herself in the diverse cultures and landscapes of these countries.
Anna’s time on the road was not without its hardships. She faced poverty, loneliness, and the constant uncertainty of her next meal. Yet, amidst these challenges, she discovered an unwavering resilience and a profound appreciation for the simple joys of life. Her experiences on the streets transformed her into a compassionate and empathetic individual, deepening her understanding of the human condition.
Throughout her journey, Anna’s music served as a source of solace, inspiration, and connection. Her songs, infused with the emotions and experiences of her life, resonated with listeners, drawing them into her world of melodies and stories. Anna’s lyrics, interwoven throughout the book, offer a glimpse into her soul, revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings.
In addition to her solo performances, Anna also found fulfilment in her role as the lead singer and songwriter for the band Hennesea. Their music, a blend of Americana, country and folk, reflects Anna’s diverse influences and her deep connection to the human experience. This website provides a platform for their music to reach a wider audience.
Singing for Supper: A Busker’s Tale is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect. Anna’s story is a beacon of hope for those who have faced adversity, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light to guide the way. Through her music and her words, Anna reminds us that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary things, and that the journey of life, with all its challenges and triumphs, is a gift to be cherished.
Special offer: free download of our live album when you buy the Laced with Gold CD.
Our latest album, Laced with Gold is now available everywhere . . . even on CD! Visit our shop to get your hard copy and, as a special bonus, get a free download of our live album.
We are extremely please to say that we played the first Funky Bunker V-Sessions on Sat Aug 1st 2020.
It was live performance, streamed to the world from a studio in West Malvern.
With fully mixed audio and multi-camera video. Just like on TV!
The live stream of Hennesea’s original new folk and timeless covers can be viewed on YouTube and more details about the V-Sessions can be found on their website or Facebook page. A live album of the concert was released in early 2021.
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