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Bio

Hans York is a German-born, Seattle-based, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Although he is a master musician, York is largely unknown both in Germany and his adopted American homeland, but that should change radically after people listen to Young Amelia.

Young Amelia is a low-key gem showcasing York’s impressive acoustic guitar playing, appealing tenor and strong songwriting skills. His approach to the guitar blends jazz, folk and Classical European styles into a sound that’s both familiar and unique. Self-produced and recorded live in the studio in a mere two and a half days with the help of some talented friends (credits below), Young Amelia showcases York’s distinctive guitar sound, full of rhythmic and melodic flourishes that impress without overwhelming the songs. York favors open tunings, which give his playing an expansive feel, marked by full, round notes and chiming overtones.

Young Amelia takes you on a subtle journey to explore the hidden recesses of the human heart with outstanding musicianship and deep compassion. The set includes “Tell Me Why,” a jazzy, Brazilian flavored tune marked by York’s impressive fretwork; the classic swing of “Invocation,” which will be the album’s first single, where York drops a bit tongue twisting vocalese worthy of Jon Hendricks into the mix, and the gently rowdy ragtime of “Never Been in Love,” a tongue in cheek celebration of life after a failed relationship. Other standout tracks include “Young Amelia,” a ballad full of melancholic poetry that investigates the heartbreaking tension between love and loss, youth and old age; “Snow,” a tune with a circular guitar melody that suggests swirling snowflakes; the elegant, measured ballad “Inner Windows;” the newgrass bounce of “Lifeline,” and “Letting Go,” a hushed meditation on the death of a parent with one of York’s most poignant vocals. York will be touring extensively to support Young Amelia, impressing audiences with his remarkable musicianship and low-key charisma.

Hans York has an impressive and eclectic resume. He backed Robert Palmer on German TV, played duets with jazz, Celtic and Classical harp player Rüdiger Oppermann, and performed as a soloist on fretless bass with the Ars Quittilinga Chamber Orchestra. York co-founded the German world music band Moka Efti, recording three CDs with them. In Germany, he’s a well-known session player contributing to more than 40 albums.

After coming to the States, he produced albums for San Francisco blues legend Fillmore Slim and Lyquid Amber, an experimental acoustic jazz band. York also has three solo albums to his credit: Hazzazar, which has been described as “Steely Dan floating down the Amazon with Cateno Veloso,” Sau Gut, a world/jazz fusion that touched on Arab, Latin, Brazilian and Classical European string music, and Inside Out, with arrangements that featured York’s subtle vocals and chiming folk guitar playing paired with a small jazz combo.

Musicians on Young Amelia: Hans York, acoustic guitar and vocals; Jon Hamar, bass; Chris Stormquist, percussion, glockenspiel; Eva Scow, mandolin; Dusty Brough, nylon string guitar; Myra Joy, cello; Elizabeth, trombone and vocals; Dan Tyack, pedal steel, dobro; Backing vocals, James Hurley, Kym Tuvim, Larry Murante

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