Austrian based Hans Theessink is a Dutch Country blues guitarist who has built an international reputation as a leading practitioner of American roots & blues. On “Slow Train” Hans Theessink has expanded his blues roots to include Gospel & World music. In fact it is worth noting that had not both Ry Cooder & Paul Simon been here before with high profile World music albums, “Slow Train” would probably pick up even more accolades than it is already destined to receive.
Hans Theessink’s yearning vocal style is one that has been honed in over 30 years of learning his craft and he brings an unhurried style of emotive phrasing to bear on some poignant lyrics that deal uncompromisingly with contemporary events. His sublime guitar playing is so subtle that you strain to hear every slight change in emphasis in tone while his sultry slide runs beautifully underpin some warm gospel accompaniment on ‘Run On For A Long Time’.
Together with a fine band & three gospel singers nick-named “Ramadu”, “Blessings” & “Vusa”, Hans tackles songs about 9/11 and Iraq as on “God Created The World” and Mugabe’s Zimbabwe as on “Thula Mama-Oh Mother Don’t You Weep”, without once pandering to sloganising. The biting lyrics on Slow Train are written as if in the first person bringing an extra emphasis to the lyrics. There’s a deeper blending of gospel blues on “Cry Cry Cry” another album highlight complete with sumptuous slide guitar and deft use of handclaps. There’s also a JJ Cale feel to the wistful “Let Go”, while “Love You Baby’ is a delightful joyous dobro outing. Such is the confidence of this project that the spiritual “Old Man Trouble” never once hints at cliché in spite of its lyrics that include the line. Be sure to hop on board when Slow Train comes by.
