Hans Christian - A Gifted Producer, Composer, Engineer, and Musician
I went to see Tina Malia and GuruGanesha Singh on their Song of the Soul tour last night, and upon entering the venue, I was thrilled to see the stage filled with a fine collection of exotic world instruments.
Through a number of synchronicities, before the concert I found myself conversing with Hans Christian, the reason for many of them. You are already familiar with Hans' work if you've ever seen Rasa in concert or listened to any of their many recordings.
The reason I found this chance meeting so interesting, (other than the fact that Hans is an engaging guy) is that, lately, I've been playing along with a number of Rasa tracks in order to practice scales and sound techniques on my EWI.
Hari Haraye, from Rasa in Concert is my current favorite practice track, and it's a daunting challenge to emulate the haunting, emotional texture of Hans' Indian Sarangi. (pic below)
The concert was exceptional (and deserves a separate review) and because our seats were in the second row, right in front of where Hans was set up, we were able to watch him perform his prodigious instrumental magic.
Another benefit of our conversation, is that I discovered that Hans is a prolific producer and performer on many projects other than Rasa. In addition to a number of recent projects of his own (Undefined Heart - Meditative compositions with solo cello, loops and delays, recorded Live July 5-10, 2010 in Chartres, France.) he has worked with a diverse list of artists such as Dave Stringer, Krishna Das, Vas, and many others.
Most of Hans' early musical life was spent in recording studios from first recordings at age 16 with a local flamenco group called Duo Flamenco in his home town Hannover, Germany; to recordings in Hamburg at the famous Deutsche Gramophon studios and a local facility called Studio Hafenklang.
From there he went to Hollywood to pursue a life as bassist and cellist, performing and recording first with local underground bands and later with popular artists (Robbie Robertson, Sparks, Toni Childs, Gene Clark, and others). Picking up clues from recognized producers T-Bone Burnett, Chad Blake, Daniel Lanois, Mitchel Froom (all of whom he met during sessions) and others, Hans developed a foundation for his work as a composer, producer, and engineer.
His first instrument being the cello, Hans' musicality evolved around Western classical music. Technique and discipline were the building blocks for his musical education, although these were quickly augmented with his choice of the bass guitar as a second instrument (and leading to the subsequent immersion in rock music). The foundation for a rich musical career was thus prepared.
His interest in World Music, especially from India, led him to pick up the Indian sarangi and sitara (a small customized sitar) and the Scandinavian nyckelharpa. (pic left) Hans has played on countless albums, given hundreds of concerts, and produced many projects, including his collaborations with Kim Waters under the name RASA and several recent solo recordings.
If you're looking for some evocative yoga music for your practice or are simply wanting to expand your world music library, check out any of Hans' fine recordings.
Visit Hans' recording studio Web site, called STUDIO 330, at www.recordingstudio330.com for lots of info about his professional work.