HENRY DOSS & EMMA RUGG:
A musical match made in heaven...
The art of networking and making acquaintances is essential if you make music and harbour a deep desire to have your music heard by as many people as possible.
Henry Doss is a singer-songwriter from Michigan in the good old USA. Emma Rugg, you might have heard of already�
Starting from the start, Henry managed to get wind of the BBC's fantastic, Hull-based 'Raw Talent' radio show hosted by Alan Raw and he proceeded to mail some of his material long-distance across the Atlantic divide. Alan liked Henry's musical craftsmanship so much he resigned to playing it on the show. And cue Emma Rugg who, as far as I think I'm right (!), heard Henry's music, and who then got in touch with Henry.
A long story cut short, Henry heard Emma's sublime songwriting prowess and, with the help of the 'Raw Talent' show and some pretty sharp organizational skills, both singer-songwriters decided to hook up and record some stuff together.
Mmm. But Emma lives in Hull - and where does Henry live again? Oh, yeah� there he is - way over there, on the breezy shores of Lake Michigan, not too far away from the area in which the young Ernest Hemingway spent some of his childhood holidays, I'll have you know. (Well, that's the kind of information that becomes of being a massive fan of Michael Palin and, in this instance, his fascinatingly informative 'Hemingway's Adventure' journey).
But - just like Palin - neither Henry or Emma seemed determined to let the petty issue of the Atlantic Ocean get in their way, and Emma flew across to meet the man in person and to, ultimately, set her amazing vocals to some of Henry's songs.
Henry has actually only been taking his song writing, recording and performing seriously for the past four years. Before that time he'd led a successful career in banking, but obviously the attraction of being openly creative via the medium of music offered huge appeal for Henry. Since deciding to turn his back on banking (though he does do some 'consultations' in his spare time) he's released an album of tenderly soulful, Country-pop songs under the 'Remnants of A Conversation' umbrella. There are many elements to his wistfully arranged songs, with the two tracks that he re-worked with Emma being 'I've Been Thinking' and 'Lonely Child.'
'I've Been Thinking' is an infectiously upbeat anthem, nostalgic in its content and bursting forth with a rock riff of Ryan Adam's vibrant caliber. This, Henry says, is one of the first tracks that he sat down to write, with the lyrics been reflective and down-to-earth. 'Seems like most of my life gave me the slip.' The overall feel of the tune is wholesomely upbeat, and once the rock guitar solo kicks in it's high time for the listener to proudly scrunch up their nose in a 'mock rock' pose and to stamp their feet in salute.
The second track they worked on together, 'Lonely Child,' is much different in style; far less rocking and more bewitchingly charming. Acoustic based, this is shimmering, finger-picked bliss and subtly backed by bass, piano and a lilting string arrangement for emotion rousing measure. On both songs Henry and Emma sing together, but it's through 'Lonely Child' in particular that Emma's startlingly beautiful voice comes into its own as they duet on this track written about his oldest daughter ('I wish that you could find your way back home and you would understand that you are not alone'). Perfectly produced in every respect, the compassionate soul that oozes through every note might remind of the poignant music of towering Canadian songwriter James Keelaghan. There is a definite 'Country'-lilt to the music, though the sublime tunefulness - and intoxicating vocal chemistry between Henry and Emma - ensures Lonely Child's 'pop'-infused stature as a heart-rending duet like few others.
Both tracks did originally appear on the aforementioned album that Henry released, though Emma's presence is clearly felt on both these magical reworkings and we can only hope for more of the same in the future. Both tracks are also regular live favourites when Henry plays gigs with his backing band, and there might be a chance of a Rugg-Doss show collaboration as Summer '04 encroaches, for Henry is coming over from Michigan to the UK in order to indulge in another of his unbridled passions in life� and that's long distance walking with his wife.
Indeed, there could be ample opportunity for him to take some time out in Hull. And to 'play' as though there's no such thing as 'work' so long as you enjoy writing, recording and performing in front of audiences as much as Henry - and Emma - both sound to.
In the meantime, Emma is set to play at 'The Light Dragoon' in Etton on March 2nd 2004.
(Steve Rudd)
www.henrydoss.com
www.emmarugg.com
www.indreamsrecords.com