5-String Banjo Master, Walter Hensley has once again entrusted the studios at National Media Services to revive a classic piece of “Hensley” bluegrass history. Having recently mastered the compilation album, “From the Hills,” a collection of Walter Henley favorites from two previously released albums (Rebel Records and Capitol Records), Walter asked us to revive this session containing rehearsal tracks recorded almost 40 years ago.
Members of the band were: Frankie Short, mandolin. KO Campbell, electric bass (YES, I said ELECTRIC bass). Walter Hensley, banjo (Nice Hair Walt). Jim Hensley, guitar.
Unfortunately “Sounds from the Kitchen” is not scheduled for release, That’s my name for the session. Walter can’t dream of releasing a rehearsal to the public. This shows what a perfectionist he is. Don’t worry; I’m trying to talk him into including at least one track on a future album.
Walter Hensley is considered by many bluegrass legends, to be one of the greatest instrumentalists in the history of bluegrass music, and it is a fact that he has been instrumental himself within the genre. In 1959, Walter was the first banjo musician to play at Carnegie Hall with Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys, and in 1964 he recorded the first solo banjo LP ever produced by a major record label (The 5 String Banjo Today, Capitol Records.)
To hear samples of Walter’s genius playing, or to purchase “From The Hills” a compilation of Walter Hensley masterpieces, mastered by National Media Services, click here.
We are proud to have Walter as another loyal customer, but we are even more proud to have him as a friend. Walter, it was a pleasure to work with you again, Thank You.
Will Shenk
Chief Engineer, National Media Services, Inc.
613 N. Commerce Ave.
Front Royal, VA 22630
(540) 635-4181
Walter was not quite certain what he was sending to us, but he knew that at one time this master reel contained at least part of the rehearsal, recorded on ¼” tape, using a single microphone, in his brother’s (Jim Hensley) kitchen. Jim who engineered the session also served as a member of the group playing the guitar. We were pleasantly surprised to find a well stored tape showing very little signs of wear or corrosion, and thanks to Jim, it was stored tails out. This was instrumental in helping us to revive this 7 track piece of history to its original beauty. I still think he is pulling our leg. It is amazing how incredible this recording sounds, especially considering the configuration. Walt, Are you sure you didn’t have another microphone set up somewhere? It just goes to prove how many times we in our modern day, state of the art facilities can “over think” situations in the studio.
Members of the band were: Frankie Short, mandolin. KO Campbell, electric bass (YES, I said ELECTRIC bass). Walter Hensley, banjo (Nice Hair Walt). Jim Hensley, guitar.
Unfortunately “Sounds from the Kitchen” is not scheduled for release, That’s my name for the session. Walter can’t dream of releasing a rehearsal to the public. This shows what a perfectionist he is. Don’t worry; I’m trying to talk him into including at least one track on a future album.
Walter Hensley is considered by many bluegrass legends, to be one of the greatest instrumentalists in the history of bluegrass music, and it is a fact that he has been instrumental himself within the genre. In 1959, Walter was the first banjo musician to play at Carnegie Hall with Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys, and in 1964 he recorded the first solo banjo LP ever produced by a major record label (The 5 String Banjo Today, Capitol Records.)
To hear samples of Walter’s genius playing, or to purchase “From The Hills” a compilation of Walter Hensley masterpieces, mastered by National Media Services, click here.
Or I’m certain that Walter would love to have you drop by and pay him a visit. http://www.myspace.com/walterhensley
We are proud to have Walter as another loyal customer, but we are even more proud to have him as a friend. Walter, it was a pleasure to work with you again, Thank You.
Will Shenk
Chief Engineer, National Media Services, Inc.
613 N. Commerce Ave.
Front Royal, VA 22630
(540) 635-4181
