Past And Present (Songs In Time) 1970-2021 6CD Box Set

6CD book set celebrating the late, great Ken Hensley.

‘Solo’ (CD1) focuses on gems from his first three solo albums, released by Bronze records between 1973 and 1981. Having made his way through the fertile music scene of the 1960s, Ken came to prominence when he joined Uriah Heep in 1970. Creating ground-breaking, melodic hard rock with Heep, CD1 concludes with ‘Tales’, ‘Echoes In The Dark’ and ‘Sunrise’ from ‘The Magician’s Birthday’ (1972), then ‘Paradise’, ‘Poet’s Justice’, and ‘Rainbow Demon’ from ‘Demons And Wizards’ (1972).

‘A Glimpse of Glory’ (CD2) from 1990 explores Ken’s songwriting depth and his examination of faith, best demonstrated on the songs ‘The Return’ and ‘The Joy Of Knowing Jesus’. According to Ken’s liner notes for 2002’s ‘Running Blind’ (CD3), “I suppose this CD is really typical of the way I like to record, with a mixture of songs of different styles. Most of the time I consider myself a storyteller and the tempo, rhythm and production should combine to accompany the lyrical message.”

‘Running Blind’ was followed in 2003 with ‘The Last Dance’ (CD4). Produced by Ken and Daniel Saiz Gomez, it featured Tommy Lopez (drums), John Smithson (bass) and Ovidio Lopez (guitar) with some classic slide guitar from Ken on ‘Crying’.

Always a prolific songwriter, on 2005’s ‘Cold Autumn Sunday’ (CD5) Ken took time to record a number of songs from his back catalogue, revisiting ‘Send Me An Angel’, originally recorded with southern rockers Blackfoot in 1983, ‘Inside The Mystery’, originally on ‘Free Spirit’, and the title track originally released on Ken’s 1973 solo debut, ‘Proud Words On A Dusty Shelf’.

This anthology concludes with ‘Collaborations (2011-2021)’ on CD6, a new compilation featuring his work on two studio albums and one live album with Live Fire; ‘Faster’, ‘Trouble’ and ‘Live Fire Live!!’ featuring the amazing guitar playing of Ken Ingwersen that Ken loved so much. CD6 ends with two tracks from his final album, ‘My Book of Answers’, showcasing his writing with Vladimir Emelin.

The music world not only lost a great, multi-talented musician and mercurial artist, but also a highly respected songwriter when Ken Hensley very sadly passed away in November 2020.