Richard Henderson

Genre: Americana
Secondary Genre: Acoustic Port Perry, Ontario Canada Contact

Richard is one of very few solo lap steel guitarists. His characteristic edgy style is based on the traditions of the blues, country and rock ‘n roll; uniquely presented on the lap steel guitar. The result, evocative of roots traditions, is transformational- a vibrant reconstruction of roots music.

Artist Information

Biography

Richard Henderson: Roots re-interpreted.

Over the past few years, there has been a dramatic resurgence in roots music and many musicians have taken up the acoustic lap steel guitar. There are, however, remarkably few solo lap steel guitarists. Richard Henderson is one of those few. As a journeyman of the Toronto music scene, he has developed a characteristic edgy style based on the traditions of the blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll. And the result is compelling: old standards take on a new, distinctive interpretation and original material is, well, even more original. Attesting to that, Richard was named Instrumentalist of the Year for 2010 at the Durham Region Music Awards, showcased at the 2011 International Blues Summit in Toronto and the 2011 Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in Niagara Falls, and was named First Runner Up in The Toronto Blues Society's 2011 Talent Search.

The acoustic lap steel guitar is an interesting and uncommon instrument. It was first developed in Hawaii in the 19th century and was the direct ancestor of both the dobro, played in traditional Americana music, and the pedal steel guitar. It was also instrumental in the development of the slide guitar blues styles played in the southern United States beginning in the early part of the 20th century. Richard's performances give a unique perspective on the convergence of the historical development and the continuing evolution of acoustic roots music.

Recently, Richard has teamed up with long-time friend and percussionist, Rico Stern, on the cajon. Discerning audiences and casual listeners alike are captivated by the unique combination of the Peruvian cajon and the Hawaiian lap steel guitar and are intrigued to listen to, watch and participate in the performances. The unplugged sound of the lap steel/cajon duo has added a unique offering to festivals such as Toronto’s Winterfolk, and to intimate clubs and large venues alike.

The acoustic lap steel guitar and the cajon, both unusual instruments, complement each other perfectly, with the distinctive slide of the lap steel and the beat of the cajon weaving through an eclectic mix of gospel, country, blues and vintage rock ’n’ roll. The result, while evocative of roots and folk traditions, is transformational; leading to a vibrant reconstruction of roots music.

Have steel. Will travel.

[Depending on the circumstances and the venue, Richard performs as a solo artist, as a duo, or as a three-piece acoustic or electric band. Examples of the various configurations can be heard on the audio page.]

Instrumentation

Richard Henderson plays 6 string acoustic Kona and Weissenborn guitars.

Discography

Richard’s first solo CD, “Seventh Day: Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar”, has aired on over 60 radio stations in Canada and Europe and has received critical acclaim here at home and overseas (see "Press"). “Seventh Day” documents the evolution of traditional roots music from the 20th century into the 21st, all rather unconventionally adapted for the acoustic lap steel guitar. We hear the metamorphosis of gospel, country, and blues into early rock 'n' roll- thematically underpinned by a handful of original songs. The CD highlights Richard’s solo work, although, on a couple of tracks he does get a little help from his friends Suzie Vinnick and Carlos del Junco, both multiple Maple Blues Award winners.

Here are some media comments:

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"Congratulations on a fine recording. I wish you all the best with it."

Holger Petersen
President, Stony Plain Records and host of CBC's Saturday Night Blues

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"Hi Richard,

I just checked out some of your stuff on Sonicbids. It would be great if you could send a copy of the CD to the station. It will definitely see air time!"

John Hoevenaars
"The Blues Never Die!!"
CHRW 94.9FM

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"This is an enjoyable album, performed with fine musicianship and good taste."

Bruce Iglauer
founder and head of Alligator Records

To buy a copy of Seventh Day, go to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hendersonrichard

Links

Audio

  • (DUO: Lap Steel and Cajon) Your Papa Don't Know
    Listen  
  • (DUO: Lap Steel and Cajon) Life During Wartime
    Listen  
  • (BAND) Life During Wartime
    Listen  
  • (BAND) Lucky Seven
    Listen  
  • (SOLO) I Just Want To Make Love To You
    Listen  
  • (SOLO) Little Red Rooster
    Listen  
  • (SOLO) Nadine
    Listen  
  • (SOLO) Seventh Day
    Listen  
  • (SOLO) You Can't Catch Me
    Listen  
  • (SOLO) Who Do You Love
    Listen  

Lyrics

Video

Hallelujah

Gimme Shelter

Photo Gallery

Press

  • "On the cutting edge of country and blues music"! Maverick Magazine [+ Show ]

    Richard Henderson SEVENTH DAY: ACOUSTIC LAP STEEL GUITAR Self-released **** Veteran Canadian guita...

  • "Richard Henderson's performance on lap steel is masterful"!

    AltCountryForum.nl December, 2010

  • "Altogether a fine acoustic disc and one well worth acquiring". [+ Show ]

    MapleBlues Magazine Richard Henderson Seventh Day Pic’ndor Richard Henderson lives in Port Pe...

  • "Richard Henderson...Pure Class!" [+ Show ]

    Rootsville, Blues and Roots On The Internet, excerpted and translated from Dutch:"Richard Henderson'...

  • "Richard Henderson treats the listener to a wonderful musical experience on this solo acoustic album." [+ Show ]

    AltCountryForum (Translated from Dutch) Every year, I find a CD in my year end list that I overlooke...

Setlist

The following is a representative sample of some of the songs that I perform.

Judgment Day (original)
Your Papa Don't Know (original)
7th Day (original)
Whiskey Annie (original)
Don't Tell Me (original)
8 Cylinder Blues (original)
Black Horse (original)
Life During Wartime
Gimme Shelter
Folsom Prison
Walking On The Moon
Watching The Detectives
We Gotta Get Outta This Place
Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Layla
Crossroads
Wild Night
You Can't Catch Me
Nadine
Honky Tonk Blues
Summertime Blues
Under The Boardwalk
Highway 61 Revisited
Like A Rolling Stone
Hey Mr. Tambourine Man
You Gotta Move
Prodigal Son
I'm Ready
I Just Want To Make Love To You
Who Do You Love
You Can't Judge A Book
King Bee
Little Red Rooster
What A Shame
Down Home Girl
Route 66
You Can't Always Get What You Want
They Call Me The Breeze
Statesboro Blues
I Ain't Got You
Hip Shake
Keep On Rockin' In The Free World
Refugee
Should I Stay Or Should I Go
Slip Slidin' Away

Basic Requirements


Calendar

DateTimeVenueCity
Jun 21, 2013 Friday 9:00 PM Newcastle House Newcastle, ON, CA
Jun 22, 2013 Saturday 8:00 PM Salvatore's Trattoria Port Perry, ON, CA
Jun 27, 2013 Thursday 8:00 PM Fionn MacCool's Ajax, ON, CA
Jun 28, 2013 Friday 8:00 PM Prince Albert Pub The East Gwillimbury, ON, CA
Jun 29, 2013 Saturday 5:00 PM House Party Toronto, ON, CA
Jul 4, 2013 Thursday 9:00 PM Bull Dog Pub Oshawa, ON, CA
Jul 5, 2013 Friday 7:00 PM D&D's Lakeside Restaurant Port Perry, ON, CA
Jul 6, 2013 Saturday 12:00 PM the intersection of Main and Mosley Streets Wasaga Beach, ON, CA
Jul 6, 2013 Saturday 8:00 PM Salvatore's Trattoria Port Perry, ON, CA
Jul 12, 2013 Friday 9:00 PM Casey's Cobourg Cobourg, ON, CA
Jul 14, 2013 Sunday 12:00 PM The Bier Markt Toronto, ON, CA
Jul 19, 2013 Friday 9:00 PM The Old Newcastle House Taps & Grill Newcastle, ON, CA
Jul 20, 2013 Saturday 8:00 PM Feathers Pub Toronto, ON, CA
Jul 26, 2013 Friday 10:00 PM The Liverpool Arms Pickering, ON, CA
Jul 27, 2013 Saturday 8:00 PM The Courtyard Courtice, ON, CA
Jul 28, 2013 Sunday 1:30 PM The Antrim House Port Perry, ON, CA
Aug 1, 2013 Thursday 8:30 PM Fionn MacCool's Toronto, ON, CA
Aug 2, 2013 Friday 9:00 PM Orleans Restaurant Newmarket, ON, CA
Aug 4, 2013 Sunday 12:00 PM Bier Markt Don Mills Toronto, ON, CA
Aug 9, 2013 Friday 9:00 PM The Blue Goose Tavern Toronto, ON, CA
Aug 10, 2013 Saturday 4:00 PM Hillebrand Winery Blues Festival Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON, CA
Aug 11, 2013 Sunday 12:00 PM The Bier Markt - Esplanade Toronto, ON, CA
Aug 15, 2013 Thursday 7:00 PM The Mill Restaurant Cobourg, ON, CA
Aug 16, 2013 Friday 9:00 PM Newcastle House Newcastle, ON, CA
Aug 17, 2013 Saturday 8:00 PM Salvatore's Trattoria Port Perry, ON, CA
Aug 23, 2013 Friday 8:30 PM Trinity Pub Whitby, ON, CA
Aug 24, 2013 Saturday 8:00 PM The Courtyard Courtice, ON, CA
Aug 25, 2013 Sunday 1:30 PM The Antrim House Port Perry, ON, CA
Sep 1, 2013 Sunday 12:00 PM The Bier Markt Queensway Toronto, ON, CA
Sep 5, 2013 Thursday 8:30 PM Fionn MacCool's Toronto, ON, CA
Sep 8, 2013 Sunday 12:00 PM Bier Markt King West Toronto, ON, CA
Sep 14, 2013 Saturday 9:00 PM Muddy Water Hotel Beeton, ON, CA
Sep 19, 2013 Thursday 9:30 PM Fionn MacCool's Toronto, ON, CA
Sep 22, 2013 Sunday 12:00 PM The Bier Markt - Esplanade Toronto, ON, CA
Nov 2, 2013 Saturday 9:30 PM The Foggy Dew Toronto, ON, CA
Dec 7, 2013 Saturday 9:30 PM The Foggy Dew Toronto, ON, CA