Biography

RADIO PROMOTION BY Art Menius Radio
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On Michael Henchman's third album, If The Sky Fell, he shares his continuing fascination with cinematic sensibilities and sweeping stories, including the night-into-day journey (both metaphorically and physically) of the title track, the blessing of enduring love in "Wildest Sea," the between-worlds mystery of "Ghost Pines," vignettes of interminable waiting for change in “Days By Degrees,” the centuries trek of the protagonist in "Burning Bush," even the galaxy-spanning collective cry of humanity in "East To West". While the album is grounded in contemporary and alternative folk, with spacious and textural stylings, Michael reveals more of his musical palette and background in roots and jazz influences. This collection of songs, in one way or another, takes note of the inexorable passage of life; of precious moments, of striving to taste and feel them; of the constant flow of the future quickly becoming the past.

The album was recorded primarily in Portland, Oregon over the course of 2023 and 2024. Some of the guest musicians recorded their performances in California, Texas, Arizona and Michigan. Michael wrote and arranged all of the songs, playing multiple instruments, working in his own studio and collaborating with Portland producer, recording engineer and musician Bryan Daste at Dream Tree Studios Northwest.

Hailing from the evergreen Pacific Northwest, Michael Henchman's thoughtful, imagery-rich songwriting often draws inspiration from paths less traveled that have beckoned since childhood - living across the U.S., in Europe, and many years in central Alaska. His music has been described as "progressive folk, mixed with redwoods, diners, grassy plains, a generous dash of longing, and a bit of road dust for texture." His life experiences instilled a deep reverence for open landscapes and for how the heart becomes entangled by time and distance. “It is in these quieter places that what is true and real becomes more apparent," he says. "One can feel the unbroken connection to the pulse of life.”

He began listening intently to music at an early age, falling under the music spell of an eclectic range of artists in folk, pop, jazz, funk, gospel, and the long-form compositions of prog-rock, eventually being influenced to write songs by the work of such insightful writers as Jackson Browne, John Gorka, David Wilcox, Shawn Colvin, Richard Shindell, Dave Carter, and the inimitable Jimmy Webb, one of his favorites.

Over the years, he has performed both solo and in various bands – as bassist, vocalist and guitarist – and has composed and produced instrumental music for public television in Alaska. He continues to search for stories from the many places that people call home.