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With cowboy hats hung low, Humble resident Weldon Henson and his band are sure to get cowboy boots dancing to melodic country music at local honky tonk joints and pubs.
Henson, a 2000 graduate of Nimitz High School, has lived in Humble since 1989 though has since moved to Austin to pursue his country music dreams. He released his first CD, entitled “Tryin’ To Get By,” on Dec. 7.
Henson hosted a CD release party Feb. 1 at the Tin Cup Sports Bar in Huffman as an opportunity for residents from his hometown to become familiar with his music and fall in love with his band.
“I have always loved music and pretty much everyone in my family played an instrument or sang, so it was second nature for me,” Henson said. “I played the violin and piano when I was younger and during my first year in the military, I picked up the guitar and thus my music career started.”
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The music Henson and his band makes can be compared to music greats like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings but with their own unique, contemporary twist.
Henson describes his music as a cross between traditional, original country with a slight modern feel to it that does not sound like any other band on the music scene.
“Some the country music that is out there right now is honestly not my favorite. I am a fan of the classics and that is what we play; I hope the audience will appreciate the authenticity and originality that is present with our music,” said Henson.
Henson has been known to play gigs at Pop’s Icehouse on Loop 494, Lloyd’s Bar in Humble, Tin Cup Sports Bar and various other joints around the Houston and Austin area.
“Playing on nice, big stages is always a great opportunity, but I truly enjoy performing at small honky tonk joints where I can truly connect with my audience. A place where people can relax and dance while having some beer or whiskey is the perfect place for my band and me to perform,” Henson said.
When asked what his favorite place to perform was, Henson replied it was also the first place to let him play that was his favorite: Lloyd’s Bar.
“Every time we play at Lloyd’s we have a great time and the audience does too because we are providing them with something different. We perform the music we want to and do not even have a set list; we just play what we feel like playing,” Henson said.
Henson serves as the current manager of the band and while working on recording the CD, the band continued to play gigs all around the state of Texas and hold down full-time jobs.
“I am very appreciative of people who like my music because it is all original and comes from my heart. I cq hope people enjoy our shows and know that our CDs are available for sale at our shows and on the website. To me, the people listening are the most important part of the show and that’s why I do it,” Henson said.
http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19259421&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=635652&rfi=6 - The Humble Observer
By Andrew W. Griffin
Pop writer / The Norman Transcript
Posted: February 1, 2008
Weldon Henson – “Tryin’ To Get By” (Hillbilly Renegade Records)
It’s not often that debut albums as good as the one put out by Austin, Texas-based country singer Weldon Henson come my way, but it’s safe to say this one is a keeper.
Titled “Tryin’ To Get By,” this multi-talented singer-songwriter-guitarist impresses with each of the 10 tracks.
New to the scene, this album was recorded at Arrowhead Circle Studio in Round Rock, Texas and was produced by Henson and Edward Kincade.
On the up-tempo album opener, “Losin’ Memories,” Henson, sounding a little like a younger Garth Brooks, sings of “losin’ memories … one piece at a time” following the break-up of a friend, while on the next song, “No Place in My Heart,” Henson sticks with that theme. This time, though, he embraces a honky-tonk style reminiscent of the late Waylon Jennings.
That’s the great thing about Weldon Henson. This guy stays true to what is arguably “real” country with a Texas flavor. He respects his elders but is carving out his own niche, chock full of pedal steel n’ twang.
Dwelling on the past continues to be a theme on the old-school, George Strait-influenced ballad “One Memory,” while on “Moments That We Shared” that aforementioned Garth Brooks feel returns.
All these influence work in Henson’s flavor. Again, don’t let them distract you because Henson has his own sound, style and feel. I suspect that once “Tryin’ To Get By” gets some wider distribution and well-deserved airplay, Henson’s popularity will only increase among those folks hungry for a traditionalist of this sort. Hey, the guy actually thanks his grandpa for making him listen to Bob Wills as a boy. That’s gotta count for something.
For more information go to www.weldonhenson.com.
- Red Dirt Report
Discography
In December of 2007, Weldon released “Tryin’ To Get By”, a phenomenal record that by all means sounds nothing like a debut record. From the sound to the looks, Weldon’s record is filled with brand new Honky-Tonk music that made for Texas. Weldon has a reputation in Texas that is growing with each and every show, proving that he can deliver great country music, from originals to requests, all night long.
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Bio
Singer/songwriter, Weldon Henson, offers traditional honky-tonk music with a contemporary style to the live music circuit. Having spent much time playing in Texas' and the Midwest's favorite honky tonks and bars, Weldon is musically influenced by old favorites and forgotten gems like Ray Price, Gram Parsons and Hoyt Axton. “We love the country gold, honky-tonk, rockabilly, and western swing all with a new twist.”
Weldon’s band is a five piece, that delivers a personal touch to the traditional style country. His repertoire contains too many songs to list and is large enough to take multiple requests and play longer than any place would ever need. Armed with an amazing voice and excellent entertainment skills, folks can expect to be involved and enjoy themselves while attending a show.
In December of 2007, Weldon released “Tryin’ To Get By”, a phenomenal record that by all means sounds nothing like a debut record. From the sound to the looks, Weldon’s record is filled with brand new Honky-Tonk music that is straight from Texas. Weldon has a reputation in Texas that is growing with each and every show, proving that he can deliver great country music, from originals to requests, all night long.
Although Henson is a lifelong musician, his career took off in 2001 while in the military, living in Utah. “As a child, I played many instruments and sang quite a bit, but it wasn’t until then that the songs came together with the stage.” In late 2006 after many travels and shows abroad, Weldon was honorably discharged from the Air Force and returned to his home state of Texas.
Weldon Henson’s career continues to blossom from the many live shows that stretch up through the Midwest, Southwest regions of the U.S., and from his independently funded and produced record on Hillbilly Renegade Records. The following record is set for January of 2009.
“The music Henson and his band makes can be compared to music greats like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings but with their own unique, contemporary twist.” – Humble Observer
"Weldon Henson pulls off the difficult trick of cranking out a quality modern country sound that stays true to tradition. More one-dimensional performers can do one or the other, but Weldon manages both very nicely." – Chris Mosser KVET-FM Austin TX - The Roadhouse
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