Welcome to janhauenstein.com
Ladies and gentlemen,
welcome to my homepage!
You will find some pictures here, a biography, links to a few videos,
and, of course, a music store designed to make me rich and famous.
Plus some links! And you can contact me via clever buttons that say (you guessed, I bet)
‘CONTACT ME’ on the Bio-page and on the Music Store page.
There are full length previews for all the songs of all the albums on the Music Store Page, click on the titles of the albums, that´s where they hide.
Ah, why should you follow the link to bandcamp to download albums or individual songs?
Money, money, money. Sending individual CDs from Germany to, say, the USA, costs a pretty penny or cent.
And on bandcamp you can download all of my albums (or individual songs) in various formats. Good for everybody concerned.
But for each new album there is a pre-order option for the USA, and I pack the CDs, put them in a big parcel, send the big parcel to my friend Art Krause who then unpacks the big parcel and forwards the CDs. You can get a signed CD that way!
But for those of you who dwell in old Europe, this is the place where you can shop to your hearts´ and ears´ desire.
‘Nuff said. Hope you find a few things and songs here that you like.
Best
Jan
P.S. Thanks to Mr. Tappy, without whose technical expertise this homepage probably would be shambolic.
The 2024 album – Plans
16 originals, written with Fred Grittner, lyrics for one song, he also mastered the album
and played lead mando on our song, and Terry Lee Ransom, lyrics for one song
And a lovely lullaby, an old German song written in the north-German dialect
that I translated into English. Music traditional (and sweet).Folk, Americana, Bluesrock and Jazz. Songs that might make you smile, laugh,
bring a tear to your eye and, as usual, a few weird ones.
Streaming on all the usual platforms, either already or within the next ca. 10 days.
But only bandcamp does not totally rip off musicians…Physical cds – order here, or email janhauenstein@gmx.de
Pre-orders will be sent out asap. Full length prelistening on bandcamp,
I also added the lyrics and chords there.
I do like this one! Listen, enjoy, and, maybe, download or place an order for a physical cd.
A review by my friend Alf Storrud:
Hello Jan,
I have, finally, managed to structure my random notes from the first several listenings to PLANS – I am sorry about the delay, but I have to be in the right frame of mind in order to do the songs justice. I hope you’ll find something of value in here, although it is only random impressions and comments.
- A Nothing To Do Day
The music reminds me of Hot Club de France / Hot Club de Norvege (That is why I sent the CD) – Lovely up-tempo tune and tasteful, and really great guitar playing. I definitely share this sentiment, especially in recent times. An excellent opener for the album! (Very funny ending.)
- The Ballad Of Randall Ransom
Touching “slice of life” lyrics. With a somber mood, well supported by the music. A portrait of one of those people who never quite fit in. This one got me thinking of Knut Hamsun’s last novel “Ringen sluttet” (Something like “The Circle is Closed or “Full Circle””) where the hero starts several projects, is very successful for a while, and then lets everything go, again and again, because nothing really matters to him.
- Plans
Sad but true observations. Well crafted lyrics and a great groove, right up there with the best Dire Straits songs. I loved the electric guitar!
- Life’s Chocolate Core
A nice, tender song. Uncomplicated, affecting lyrics and a lilting, catchy melody. Again: Great Guitar work that adds an extra dimension to the song!
- Too Many People
A grim report from our times … and all times, sadly.
6.Unwillin’
A jazzy, bluesy tune with great vocal delivery and mandolin. Fred’s lyrics are suggestive – a lesson in “Less is more”
- An Old Bluesman
Another great up-tempo song to change the mood. As my musical heroes grow older I hope they can say the same as this guy. I especially loved the funky rhythm and the fuzzy, freaky guitar at the end
- It Doesn’t Matter, It’s Alright
A jazzy masterpiece! A seducing, elegant melody with great piano and guitar. This rumination upon the fleeting nature of creativity is one of my favorites!
- In The Ground
Surely the catchiest song about cremation and death I’ve heard in a long time! Add a mordbidly elegant guitar solo and you have a sure hit … among eternally depressed souls at least.
- The Lord’s Empty Chair
So, that is the reason?! Sturdy guitar work on a song that puts Trump & Putin in “good” company!
- Peter’s My Name
One of the most “cinematic” songs on the album. I just love narrative songs that feel like novels – and this one is a classic. A chilly, but true portrait.
- Oh My
Another novel – or maybe a short story. Definitely cinematic. A song that gives us hope. Loved the piano and strings part
- Passion And Love
A quicker, snappier number just when we need it – I think we all have felt this ambivalence. Really cool guitar solo!
- She Doesn’t Have To Do It
A great love song for – and about – people who have lived some time. Great song. Another favorite from this album!
- Lazy
A return to the theme of the opening song. A really cool, relaxing song. Nice melody. “A busy mind needs a rest from time to time” INDEED! … Is this song about me ?
- You Can Be Sure
Nice up tempo shuffle with poignant lyrics! Sadly very true. I loved the vocals and melody.
- Good Night
This lullaby is a perfect ending! Very nice strings in the instrumental parts.
Jan – These days it is great to have someone creating songs touching upon the human experience – Please keep them coming!
All the best
Alf
PS – The cover has me laughing out loud!
2023 Album ‘A Mixed Bag Of Fleas’
New album, ‘A Mixed Bag Of Fleas’. Out 12 October 2023.
I do like the new album. A lot. 62 minutes, 18 songs, one co-written with Terry Lee Ransom, one with Fred Grittner, who is also responsible for the crystal-clear sound,and an ancient Carl Michael Bellman song I translated from Swedish into English.
Fred played lead mandola on our song, Claudia Wichmann sang on four tracks.
Folk, Folkrock, Bluesrock and Jazz.
Songs about good people, life, the world, toxic relationships, people who live(d) in the past, two or three quirky songs. And you will learn how to write a song. Max Walter asked me how I could write so many songs in so short a time, so I wrote one about just that. It’s easy…
Webmaster Daniel Tappe helped with the promo video.
A big thanks to Fred, Claudia, Terry and Daniel!
And thank you to all the many people who so busily stream my music!
You do not make me rich – but happy.
The album as well as individual songs can be downloaded via
janhauenstein.bandcamp.com
For physical cds, email janhauenstein@gmx.de
Dangerous Days Review by Alf Storrud
Hello Jan,
As promised, I scribbled down some impressions after having played the CD several times.
First of all: This is your angry record. This gruff citizen has had it with government cock-ups and the general stupidity of this world. The mood is bleak, and when the familiar Hauenstein humour pops up, it is generally in the form of exasperated outbursts or ironic observations. Quite fitting for these times I would say, and fortunately great musicianship, keen observations and a way with words makes the songs something more than angry rants, and listening carefully one also finds hope, and a determination to find joy and contentment in this world.
The theme of “joy versus gloom” runs through the album giving it both balance and edge – one finds both songs about the state of the world and the human condition, though this time the first kind dominates. I also notice that there is just one cover version.
Comments on the songs:
Footsteps – This folky shuffle sets the scene for the album – showing the melancholy, but also the acceptance and serenity of age … and I love the jazzy guitar interlude.
I Am the Blues – Perhaps the strongest track on the album lyrically. A Hauenstein classic! A chilling description of depression – Churchill’s Black dog. Something about the melody makes me think of the later demo recordings of Jackson C Frank. The violin gives the song character and colour. Great guitar at the end.
Climate Change -A funny up-tempo song providing a welcome relief from the darker moods set by the first two tracks. The ironic narrator listing up the “positive” effects of the climate change … A very catchy melody!
And Yet – This one re-states what I perceive to be the underlying theme of the album: Man’s ability to find scraps of happiness is what will get us through. Nice guitar work here as well – understated and just enough to catch one’s attention.
The Underdoc – Hard-rocking “surrealist garage rock” – You have invented a new genre
Every Road / Little Girl and Mongrel Dog – Two songs of hope – Every Road has a very catchy melody / Little girl gets its message across through acute observations – Strong melodies and guitar work on both.
What a Fool – The “angry rant” track – and a welcome one! I believe all intelligent people have been “fools” in this respect! We forgot the one indisputable truth: Shit floats to the top!
Black Magic #2 – Really nice acoustic guitar on this one and a cool groove. Don’t you ever invite me to dinner! Spooky electric guitar!
Lies Are Stronger Than The Ttruth – Sadly true. This one restates the darker themes of the album, and clears the stage for the next song:
Lion In Winter – Great opening lines! I am tempted to call this the theme song of the album …Sometimes we all feel like that. Hopefully this lion will go on writing songs!
This Great Generation – Once again some light relief. A caustic portrait. I love the barrelhouse piano and the rollicking guitar!
Miss Miss – A tongue in cheek love song where the wordplay carries the message across!
My Heart’s in the Wrong Place – once again the human condition is the theme – a short story by Fred set to music by you. A very strong, smooth melody and a really nice guitar interlude!
Long John, Long Gone – A hard rocking song with a groovy organ. Long John has found a solution to the world’s problems: Be sure to be long gone!
A Longing in My Heart – this I call the summing up song, as I felt it is gathering the various themes of the album and unifying them. Soft and comforting.
Little Victories – A homage to the sensible, courageous and decent people of the world. Reason will win, by small steps! Once again striking images and melody.
And So We Go – The only cover song on the album doesn’t feel out of place at all – On the contrary, it is the perfect ending – Bellman’s mix of “joie de vivre” and fatalism is the perfect conclusion to a strong, sometimes dark but always compelling album! (Have you considered doing more Bellman?)
Congratulations! Another excellent album!
All the best
Alf
The 2022 album “Dangerous Days” is out!
Dangerous Days, the 2022 album. publication date 22 September.
Dangerous Days indeed, in many ways, it has been a crazy year.
The songs reflect some of that madness.
Eighteen songs, sixty-four and a half minutes.
Folk, Folkrock, Blues, Rock and Jazz.
One co-written with Fred Grittner, who also mastered the album,
one with Terry Lee Ransom – thank you, gentlemen! – and an old Swedish song
by Carl Michael Bellman that I translated into English.
Songs about these weird and dangerous days, lost love, infidelity, hope,
joy, politics, the power of the blues – and a few strange ones.
Come in, sit down, listen and find out.
Daniel Tappe helped with the promo video and he maintains this website.
Jan
P.S. If you want to download the album, please do it via janhauenstein.bandcamp.com
All the others are robbers.
P.S. II My friend Fred wrote:
I was proud to master an album of ALL your songs – no covers. I think it is your best album. Songs, singing, arrangements. You should feel very proud about your creation.
Fred
This year – one more album. For children (and adults).
Our granddaughter Leevke asked a few times, ‘Did you write a new song for us?’
So I did – ‚Der Osterhasen-Wackelnasen Tanz – Neue Kinderlieder‘.
And here is the English version – ‘The Easter Bunny Dance’.
15 songs, for children and adults. Songs that are easy to understand and also a few
that require more concentration. No strings, no recorders, real music.
Children are often underestimated and parents unnecessarily tortured with lalala-drivel.
Strong fat fairies, information about dogs, bicorns (not the hat) and uniquehorns, wizards,
chubby princesses…
46 minutes, folk, blues, real rock.
Leevke and Tomke have already heard some of the songs and were happy.
The English version is available as downloads only:
https://janhauenstein.bandcamp.com/
But if you want to burn a cd, you’ll find the necessary files there.
Great Christmas gift for kids, parents and grandparents.
Dieses Jahr gibt es noch ein Album. Für Kinder (und Erwachsene).
Unsere Enkelin Leevke hat ein paar Mal gefragt, ‚Hast Du ein neues Lied für uns geschrieben?‘
Gefragt, getan – Der Osterhasen-Wackelnasen Tanz – Neue Kinderlieder.
15 Lieder, für Kinder und Erwachsene. Leicht verständliche Lieder und auch solche,
die mehr Konzentration erfordern. Keine Streicher, keine Blockflöten, richtige Musik.
Kinder werden oft unterschätzt und Eltern unnötig mit Lalala-Gesülze gequält.
Starke dicke Feen, Informationen über Hunde, Zweihörner und Eishörner, Zauberer,
rundliche Prinzessinen…
46 Minuten, Folk, Blues, richtiger Rock. Und das Album gibt es auch auf Englisch.
Leevke und Tomke haben schon einige Lieder gehört und sich gefreut.
Die deutsche Version gibt es als CD und als Download bei
https://janhauenstein.bandcamp.com/
Die englische Version – The Easter Bunny Dance – wird es circa eine Woche später auf bandcamp geben.
Prima Weihnachtsgeschenk für Kinder, Eltern und Großeltern!
My favorite guitars
J. H.
Friends and partners in crime
