By Ryan J Nims
Photo by Nicolas Vitas
When I started writing for KOOP, I thought I would try to cover things that tied into our local music scene, whether that be local music reviews or live shows. I’ve kind of gotten away from that concept for no other reason than I have found other things I’m keen to share on The Blog.
That said, I try to keep an eye on local music. It can be hard to stay up to date with everything going on in the fertile live music scene—our city is not called the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing!—but every so often, I get turned on to an artist who has been working the live scene for years. Such is the case for local blues musician, Alex Henley. Henley has been playing music for about 30 years and released his debut album Real Life in 2017. This summer, he’ll be releasing his second album Slow Burning with his band The Exchange.
Henley was nice enough to share the album with me and answer some questions.
Slow Burning is a blues-rock record with elements of soul music and classic rock and roll. The new album seems more focused than his debut, with tight musicianship and catchy songwriting. Many of the songs are available for streaming, so you can get a sampling of the album right now!
Some of the standout tracks are “Big Talker,” “Working Sideways,” which feels like a pub rock track a-la Elvis Costello at his bluesiest, the country-tinged “What a Day,” and album closer “If I Could Only Fly,” which reminds me a little bit of a bluesy version of Stevie Wonder.
Big Talker – Official Music Video – Alex Henley
I asked Alex a few questions about himself and the making of Slow Burning, and here’s what he had to say:
How long have you been playing music?
I started playing viola when I was 11, then added guitar at 15. Cut my finger on a table saw at 22, so I gave up viola/violin.
Was there a particular artist or band that inspired you to start playing?
For guitar, Stevie Ray [Vaughan] was always my #1 influence as a kid. I also loved the Black Crowes back then. However, I had many other influences in the folk, country, old rock n roll, and pop worlds. More off-the-wall influences include: Timbuk 3, Blaze Foley, Alvin Crow, and The Limeliters. I was also very heavily influenced by some obvious artists like Prince and Stevie Wonder.
Who are The Exchange and how long have you been playing with them?
The Exchange is a group of players around the world that come together to fill roles in my live and recording band. For example, most of the keys on these recordings were done in Nashville, TN, by Vince Wiley. One keyboard track was laid down in France by Jean-Christophe, and another here in Texas by Marc Lionetti. The bass for “What A Day” was also recorded in France by my brother from another mother, Yaume Lannoy. Other live and/or recording players include Andy Rumelt (keys), Hamilton Nabors & Davey Meshell (bass), Will McGowan, Pete Langhans, Mario Kraft & Greg Butler (drums). The horns were arranged and MIDI recorded by me.
Where was the album recorded?
These tracks were entirely recorded in home studios around the world. Mostly in my home studio in Bastrop, TX. Also Nashville, TN, Los Angeles, CA, Grenoble, France, and Allevard, France.
Is Slow Burning being self-released, or are you partnering with a record label?
Yes, this is self-released. I never even tried to shop this around. I’m a jack of all trades and love to learn the ins and outs of processes and make shit happen with my own two hands. I’ve also mixed and mastered all of my own music, which is usually outsourced.
Slow Burning will release this summer and there will be a release show at Antone’s. Keep an eye on his website for updates!
Fans of Guitar Picks (Mondays 10:00-11:00am) would probably find something to love in Alex Henley and the Exchange!