We first heard from Mark Hennen in February upon the release of his appropriately title solo piece, “Mark Solo.” That track introduced readers of The Static Dive to a pioneer of New York City’s avant-garde Jazz scene. With a resume that goes back nearly 50 years he has been a critical component of the jazz improvisation movement. Mark and has performed in New York’s biggest clubs, at festivals across the country and in Europe primarily as a member of the critically acclaimed Collective 4tet.
As a band member, leader and as a collaborator Mark Hennen has appeared on hundreds of recordings over the years. The 2020’s have been particularly productive for the Jazz man. In just the past two years he has released over two dozen tracks on his SoundCloud page. “Mark Solo” was his first release to major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. He has now followed with a brand new release, this time with his group Piano Duo Trio.
“Some Kind of Normal” is the latest single from Piano Duo Trio, released worldwide to all major streaming services on February 10, 2022. The 25 minute piece offers up an electronic version of the often acoustic ensemble. The group features Jackson Krall on drums, John Blum on Fender Rhodes electric piano and Mark Hennen on keyboards. With the two keyboardists panned hard left/right and Krall’s syncopated wizardry at the center of the mix, we hear each note of the band’s mesmerizing melodic and rhythmic interplay.
Early in the track, Mark Hennen handles bass duties on the keys. As the track progresses he switches to organ and guides the band through a wild improvisational ride. Blum breaks out the wah-wah pedal and Hennen incorporates strings and other samples to create trippy psychedelic scenes, cinematic highs and some deep dark grooves. It’s a great place in which to get lost for a few minutes.
Check out “Some Kind of Normal” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Chill playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. Follow the links below to connect with Mark Hennen. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the cutting edge music to come from this diversely talented artist.
