Hank Hehmsoth, an accomplished jazz pianist, composer, and visual artist, pushed the boundaries of artistic expression by blending music and visual art in groundbreaking ways. From his early beginnings as a classical and jazz pianist to his work with his band Double Vision, Hehmsoth embodied the synergy between sound and imagery, creating immersive experiences for his audiences. The year 2024 proved to be a landmark year for this multifaceted artist, marked by notable performances, features, and the release of a highly anticipated album.
Hank Hehmsoth’s track Blu-Escape was featured as the “Song of the Day” on All About Jazz, highlighting the title track from his album of the same name. This feature showcased the music’s intricate artistry and its connection to Hehmsoth’s abstract visual art. The track exemplified his signature blending of vibrant jazz compositions with evocative, layered visuals. The buzz surrounding this feature underscored Hehmsoth’s growing influence in the jazz world.
Blu-Escape was more than just a song—it was a multidimensional experience. The accompanying artwork visually interpreted the emotional landscapes and rhythms of the music, offering audiences a sensory journey that bridged the auditory and the visual. This feature on All About Jazz shined a spotlight on Hehmsoth’s ability to innovate within the jazz genre while expanding its artistic scope.
In March 2024, Hank Hehmsoth’s band, Double Vision, achieved a major milestone with their debut performance at SXSW. Known for their dynamic blend of contemporary jazz, world music, and art-inspired compositions, the band took the stage at Austin’s iconic Elephant Room on Thursday, March 14.
Since their debut in 2022, Double Vision had gained recognition, performing at Austin’s renowned “Triple Crown” of jazz venues: Monks, Parker Jazz, and the Elephant Room. Their innovative approach to jazz, which included exotic grooves, dynamic improvisations, and a bold fusion of musical and visual storytelling, reached new heights during the SXSW showcase. The event coincided with the release of their album, Blu-Escape, which encapsulated the band’s creative vision.
The album, composed of nine original tracks, represented a seamless interplay between music and art, with each piece corresponding to an abstract visual created by Hehmsoth. During Double Vision’s live performances, these visuals were projected as immersive backdrops, transforming the stage into a gallery of sound and imagery. The SXSW debut highlighted not only the band’s musical prowess but also their innovative approach to live performance, offering a truly holistic artistic experience.
A testament to the premium quality of Blu-Escape, the album was mastered by Oli Morgan at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Morgan, known for his expertise in mastering projects for artists like Seal and black metal pioneers Venom, brought his signature precision and creativity to the project.
Using stem mastering, Morgan achieved a deeper sonic balance that elevated the album’s intricate layers and textures. This high-caliber production ensured that Blu-Escape resonated with clarity and depth, creating an immersive listening experience that matched the visual and conceptual brilliance of Hehmsoth’s work. The collaboration with Abbey Road Studios solidified Blu-Escape as a landmark release in contemporary jazz.
At the heart of Blu-Escape lay Hank Hehmsoth’s ability to merge music with visual art. Each track on the album corresponded to an original abstract artwork, reflecting the emotional and rhythmic nuances of the compositions. For example:
- “Blu-Escape” explored the concept of a “blue door of escape,” offering vibrant soundscapes that evoked freedom and possibility.
- “Chernobyl Cha Cha” captured the chaotic energy of a nuclear meltdown through bold, rhythmic abstraction.
- “Sophie’s Danse” served as a heartfelt tribute to Hehmsoth’s beloved cat, Sophie, celebrating her playful spirit through tender melodies and elegant visuals.
During live performances, these artworks were projected as performance visuals, bridging the auditory and visual realms in real time. This innovative approach transformed concerts into immersive experiences, inviting audiences to explore the emotional and conceptual layers of the music.
With the features on All About Jazz, the SXSW debut, and the release of Blu-Escape, Hank Hehmsoth made a significant impact in 2024. Double Vision’s performances redefined the live jazz experience by integrating music and art, while the album showcased Hehmsoth’s artistic evolution and commitment to innovation.
Whether through the high-quality production at Abbey Road Studios, the vibrant SXSW showcase, or the multidimensional artistry of Blu-Escape, Hank Hehmsoth successfully redefined the boundaries of jazz, creating a legacy that resonated across disciplines.
