Henry Doss

HENRY DOSS - 'MARS' (single)

American musical maestro Henry Doss is an extraordinary songwriter. Self-selling this particular track, intriguingly, as 'a musical editorial,' 'Mars' is a catchy yet caustic ode to living life in the modern world. Backed by a stirring String arrangement and a great backbeat, the dark and brooding nature of the subject matter is far from gloomy or depressing. In fact, this is Alternative 'pop' music at its most involving and enthralling, as bountifully bluesy electric guitar solos wail in the background in the style of Santana.
Henry's staggeringly original approach to writing songs might force his audience to compare him to such revered geniuses as David Bowie, and Henry even goes so far as to incorporate a verse of lyrics delivered through the nearest, 'all-ears' Megaphone at hand.
'I'll kill you if you kill me; I might go insane.'
'Mars' is so damn cool that anything you ever hear subsequently will force you back down to dull earth with a bang.
(Steve Rudd)

www.henrydoss.com

- Kid Juxta

HENRY DOSS -
'REMNANTS OF A CONVERSATION'

(album/ DOSS MUSIC)

Michigan man Henry Doss is a truly extraordinary person, as this fantastic debut album does indeed testify.
Up until a few years ago, Henry was a very successful banker, but his passion for music became too much, and from being one of his past-times, it has now become an integral part of his life, for he has turned his back on his banking career (save for some consultancy work now and then) to concentrate on making his own music, and in just a couple of years he has became very well known in and around the Traverse City area of Upper Michigan, and over in the UK for his stunning musical collaborations with Hull singer-songwriter Emma Rugg.
These ten tracks, which are spread neatly over a running time of 45 minutes, hears Henry making sweet, sweet music with his backing band of four musicians that includes Ray Smith on lead and rhythm guitar, whose melodic prowess on such instruments helps to ensure that the album's opening track in 'Good Intentions' is gracefully poignant and affecting.
The style of Henry's music is rooted in the 'Country' music genre, although some of the songs are so catchy that they could be deemed as 'Country-Pop' songs, while 'I've Been Thinking' (which is one of the songs that he later re-recorded with Emma Rugg) is most definitely the most rocking and upbeat track.
'I Miss You' makes the most of Al Jankowski's talents on keyboards with a piano-tickled tune underpinning the track, before 'Just Another Morning' ('I see your face in the mirror but my mind's on the freeway') hears all instruments involved working together perfectly as another of Al's piano melodies dazzlingly interacts with the lush guitar sounds - with John Hefty on bass - and Roger Tarczon's steady drum beat.
'Lies' is one of the most outstanding examples of how Henry's affecting vocals never fail to strike a chord in the heart of the listener, and while most of the tracks are very serious and fleetingly sad, none of them are in anyway depressing, but always uplifting.
Best of all, every single track has its own distinctive melody and vibe. Some bands never fail to release albums on which virtually every song present sounds like the next one, but that's one of the great things about this album in 'Remnants Of A Conversation.' No riffs are repeated, and the musicianship involved is first-rate throughout, making you honestly wonder just how Henry has taken such a drastic 'career change' so seemingly effortlessly in his far-reaching stride.
In truth, Henry and his band are so talented at writing and performing Henry's songs that, collectively, they sound to be the real deal and that they've been doing this kind of thing for a living for years. As far as melodic, lyrically sophisticated 'Country'-rock songs go, these are fabulous.
What's even more exciting is the revelation that Emma Rugg has flown out to see Henry again to work on some new material, so look out and listen… because music this great demands your attention. (Steve Rudd)

www.henrydoss.com
www.emmarugg.com
www.indreamsrecords.com

- Steve Rudd

HENRY DOSS & EMMA RUGG:
A musical match made in heaven...

The art of networking and making acquaintances is essential if you make music and harbour a deep desire to have your music heard by as many people as possible.

Henry Doss is a singer-songwriter from Michigan in the good old USA. Emma Rugg, you might have heard of already…

Starting from the start, Henry managed to get wind of the BBC's fantastic, Hull-based 'Raw Talent' radio show hosted by Alan Raw and he proceeded to mail some of his material long-distance across the Atlantic divide. Alan liked Henry's musical craftsmanship so much he resigned to playing it on the show. And cue Emma Rugg who, as far as I think I'm right (!), heard Henry's music, and who then got in touch with Henry.

A long story cut short, Henry heard Emma's sublime songwriting prowess and, with the help of the 'Raw Talent' show and some pretty sharp organizational skills, both singer-songwriters decided to hook up and record some stuff together.

Mmm. But Emma lives in Hull - and where does Henry live again? Oh, yeah… there he is - way over there, on the breezy shores of Lake Michigan, not too far away from the area in which the young Ernest Hemingway spent some of his childhood holidays, I'll have you know. (Well, that's the kind of information that becomes of being a massive fan of Michael Palin and, in this instance, his fascinatingly informative 'Hemingway's Adventure' journey).

But - just like Palin - neither Henry or Emma seemed determined to let the petty issue of the Atlantic Ocean get in their way, and Emma flew across to meet the man in person and to, ultimately, set her amazing vocals to some of Henry's songs.

Henry has actually only been taking his song writing, recording and performing seriously for the past four years. Before that time he'd led a successful career in banking, but obviously the attraction of being openly creative via the medium of music offered huge appeal for Henry. Since deciding to turn his back on banking (though he does do some 'consultations' in his spare time) he's released an album of tenderly soulful, Country-pop songs under the 'Remnants of A Conversation' umbrella. There are many elements to his wistfully arranged songs, with the two tracks that he re-worked with Emma being 'I've Been Thinking' and 'Lonely Child.'

'I've Been Thinking' is an infectiously upbeat anthem, nostalgic in its content and bursting forth with a rock riff of Ryan Adam's vibrant caliber. This, Henry says, is one of the first tracks that he sat down to write, with the lyrics been reflective and down-to-earth. 'Seems like most of my life gave me the slip.' The overall feel of the tune is wholesomely upbeat, and once the rock guitar solo kicks in it's high time for the listener to proudly scrunch up their nose in a 'mock rock' pose and to stamp their feet in salute.

The second track they worked on together, 'Lonely Child,' is much different in style; far less rocking and more bewitchingly charming. Acoustic based, this is shimmering, finger-picked bliss and subtly backed by bass, piano and a lilting string arrangement for emotion rousing measure. On both songs Henry and Emma sing together, but it's through 'Lonely Child' in particular that Emma's startlingly beautiful voice comes into its own as they duet on this track written about his oldest daughter ('I wish that you could find your way back home and you would understand that you are not alone'). Perfectly produced in every respect, the compassionate soul that oozes through every note might remind of the poignant music of towering Canadian songwriter James Keelaghan. There is a definite 'Country'-lilt to the music, though the sublime tunefulness - and intoxicating vocal chemistry between Henry and Emma - ensures Lonely Child's 'pop'-infused stature as a heart-rending duet like few others.

Both tracks did originally appear on the aforementioned album that Henry released, though Emma's presence is clearly felt on both these magical reworkings and we can only hope for more of the same in the future. Both tracks are also regular live favourites when Henry plays gigs with his backing band, and there might be a chance of a Rugg-Doss show collaboration as Summer '04 encroaches, for Henry is coming over from Michigan to the UK in order to indulge in another of his unbridled passions in life… and that's long distance walking with his wife.

Indeed, there could be ample opportunity for him to take some time out in Hull. And to 'play' as though there's no such thing as 'work' so long as you enjoy writing, recording and performing in front of audiences as much as Henry - and Emma - both sound to.

In the meantime, Emma is set to play at 'The Light Dragoon' in Etton on March 2nd 2004.

(Steve Rudd)

www.henrydoss.com
www.emmarugg.com
www.indreamsrecords.com
- Indreams Records

HENRY DOSS & EMMA RUGG RECORDING AGAIN: LEGENDARY SONGWRITER/GUITARIST JOHN BELAND TO PRODUCE



Traverse City, MI - Following their critically acclaimed recording from the Summer of 2003, US artist Henry Doss and the UK's Emma Rugg will return to the studio in April to record new material for release on the UK based Indreams Record label. The pair will record five original songs, including two new cuts by Emma Rugg, two by Henry Doss, and one duet. All five tunes will be released as an EP titled "April Songs."

Two songs recorded by Doss and Rugg in July of 2003 - "I've Been Thinking" and "Lonely Child" received a high level of critical acclaim in the United Kingdom where they received extensive airplay on BBC Radio stations. A recent review of that recording effort appearing in England entitled: "Henry Doss and Emma Rugg: A Musical Match Made in Heaven." The recording also received good airplay in the US and was played in the rotation of nineteen East Coast stations. Doss and Rugg also appeared and performed live on Interlochen Public Radio's "Points North" series during Rugg's first visit to the United States last year.

John Beland, legendary guitarist, songwriter and producer, has been signed on to produce the recording. Beland's musical credits extend over a more-than thirty-year career and include work with The Flying Burrito Brothers, Rick Nelson, Linda Ronstadt and many others He recently released a new CD "Bare Bones."

"This project with Emma and Henry is unique in so many ways," said Beland. "Creatively, I'm really energized by the possibilities. Emma is a rising star in the UK and Henry represents a "new voice" in the singer/songwriter genre. Bringing the two together is a great opportunity to create something that will cause everyone to sit up and take notice."

Emma Rugg is a UK-based singer/songwriter who has been recognized extensively in the UK. Her debut album - "Isolated Impression" was released in April 2003 and, among other honors, won her a performance slot on BBC One's "Fame Academy: The Next Generation when representatives from BBC Radio One selected her out of thousands to appear on the show."



Henry Doss is a former bank-executive who turned to song writing only four years ago. Since then he has released his first CD - "Remnants of a Conversation", a live recording with his band, and the two-song EP with Emma Rugg.

"Last year's recording project was so much fun, and was such a great success, that we just wanted to build on it," said Rugg. "This year's project is much more ambitious, and we're covering a great deal more material. I think the results are going to surprise a lot of people!"

Whilst recording in the Traverse City area, Henry and Emma also be dropping in on several venues in the area to try out the new material. Appearances will range from a acoustic performance to dates where Doss' band will also appear.

The recording will be completed at the end of April and released in both the United States and the UK on the Indreams Records label. Detailed information about Doss, Rugg, and Beland can be found at the following web sites;



www.henrydoss.com
www.emmarugg.com
www.johnbeland.com
www.indreamsrecords.com

- girlposse.com

Doss counts on music
Ex-banker trades executive power suits for Gibson guitar dreams
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer

In a quintessential collision of worlds, Henry Doss came home from work one day, wearing his high power banking executive suit with a Gibson Nighthawk guitar cradled in his arms. A Park practice amp completed the surge of musical fate.
His astute wife snapped his picture, gently poking fun at the buttoned down rock 'n' roll juxtaposition. Although he did not yet realize it, the 47-year-old high achiever and self-described Type A person was on the cusp of a new life. Within two years he had left the executive suite behind and launched a musical career that surprises even himself.
"I don't play the guitar that well, probably sing even worse," he said with self-effacing humor, noting that he is competent. "But it's true that anything good is 99 percent work and one percent talent. I've got the 99 percent, I don't know about anything else, but I think that hard work will make up for an awful lot of shortcomings."
Behind his perceived shortcomings is an obvious 'something' that resonates with listeners, who connect with Doss' direct lyrics, youthful voice and energetic melodies. Somehow one of his CDs made it over to England and caught on there; a popular radio host there even dubbed him the Unsigned Artist of the Week for the song "I've Been Thinking."
"As any insecure starting musician, any word of praise is like manna from Heaven," noted Doss, who moved to northern Michigan in 2002.
Although he relished his lengthy and successful banking career, which he concluded as a senior vice president, Doss was ready for a new direction. His so-called retirement from banking in February 2002 quickly mutated into numerous business and musical ventures as boredom set in. A very high-energy and focused person, he also consults in the business field, with his 'part-time' weeks of 30-40 hours equaling the total hours of most workers.
Then there's the music: playing it, writing it, recording it and marketing it.
As a savvy businessman with decades of creative experience at shaping projects, Doss already has multiple recordings to his credit. His back-up band on the recordings and for gigs includes local musicians as well as nationally known figures. Doss credits these and other musicians with helping to shape his success so far.
"My music just wouldn't come into being without guidance, support, coaching and encouragement of musicians who are better than me," he said.
Doss has also forged a dynamic creative alliance with an up-and-coming British musician, Emma Rugg. The two will record another compact disc over the next two weeks at Frontier Studio in Copemish. During her visit to the area, they also plan to hit the popular open mic night at The Big Easy in Traverse City.
"Emma is a beautiful 21-year-old kid from Hull and I'm a beat up 51 year old guy with a guitar," he said. "You'd think, 'what would we have in common?,' yet in the few hours she spent here we had a friendship."
Doss has no illusions about the future: he firmly believes Rugg's talent will launch her to stardom and leave him in the dust. And that's just fine with him.
"The truth is, she's going to be a star and as a matter of fact, I think she's going to break out this year," he said. "She's got talent, she's got a work ethic, she's stubborn and very independent. She does everything, plays everything. I'm in awe, being able to work with someone like her."
Doss said their latest session at Frontier Studios will record five songs, two of his and two of hers as well as a duet. The individual tunes for each of them will include one ballad and one rock song.
Doss taps his life for lyrics, writing songs about his grown daughters or his wife, Chris Arvidson. Composing mostly on the guitar, some songs come to him easily and others are a struggle. One song, a love song to his wife entitled "Remnants of Conversation" took a whole summer to write; another called "Simple Consolation" took an hour and a half.
Compared to the rigors and creative challenges of banking, however, being a musician is far more challenging than anything he has ever tried before.
"They're both equally attractive and compelling in different ways, but music is harder," Doss said. "It is a lot more work, more frightening to me. You're a different person when you're 47 years old, you have a lot of creative impediments saying you shouldn't be doing this."
For more information on Henry Doss, visit online at www.henrydoss. com; for more information on Emma Rugg, visit the web site www.emmarugg.com

- Record-Eagle