Progressive multi-instumentalist and celebrated guitarist Richard Henshall has announced the release of his new EP – the first in an a trilogy – “Mu Vol.1”, on June 7th, 2024. He has also unveiled the first single “Mu”, along with a multi-cam play-through video.
Watch the official video for “Mu” below.
During 2020 Henshall started work on his “Mu” collection, a trilogy of EPs that explore his love for jazz-infused, intricate instrumental music. The EPs will be released throughout 2024 and promise to be some of his most richly textured, adventurous music to date. Richard is joined by drummer Lang Zhao and saxophonist Adam Carillio, while he handles guitar, bass & keyboard duties.
On the “Mu” EP and launch single “Yang” he comments: “I got the initial rhythmic idea for ‘Mu’ on a flight home from a Haken tour just before the lockdown kicked off in the UK. Little did I know that it’d end up being the catalyst for a trilogy of jazz-tinged, instrumental EPs. The rhythmic powerhouse, Lang Zhao, is on the drums and his highly creative playing style has really elevated these arrangements to new levels. This new collection of songs has a strong focus on rhythm and explores some new ground for me as a writer and guitar player. I can’t to share what I’ve cooked up with everyone”.
Pre-order “Mu Vol.1” EP here.
Tracklist:
1. Yang
2. Granular
3. Land Aliens
4. Mu
Richard Henshall is a composer, guitarist and keyboardist hailing from London, England. He is acclaimed for his work as founding member of progressive metal juggernaut Haken, as well as his endeavours as a solo artist. Henshall has been named as Music Radar’s no. 11 “best prog guitarist” and in Guitar World’s ‘top 15 best prog rock guitarist’.
In 2014, Henshall joined forces with Between the Buried and Me’s Dan Briggs and formed Nova Collective. Together they wrote the critically acclaimed “The Further Side”, which draws influences from the likes of Chick Corea and Mahavishnu Orchestra. In 2017, Henshall, alongside his Haken bandmates, featured in Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress performing the songs of Dream Theater for a year of very special shows around the world.
In 2019, Henshall completed work on his ambitious debut solo album, entitled “The Cocoon”, which features Jordan Rudess as well as host of other guests. The music ranges from dense polyrhythmic passages to delicate minimalistic interludes and features Henshall’s trademark guitar and keyboard playing throughout along with his debut performance as a lead vocalist. Prog Radar described it as “a truly impressive release and one that shows Richard at the height of his creative powers”.
Weblinks:
www.facebook.com/RichHenshall
www.instagram.com/rich_henshall
