The band has released two CDs internationally, Puerto Angel (1994) and Chasing Grace (1996), but look out, there's another on the way - gestating now to emerge later in the year ('98). Although guest musicians sing and play violin, trumpet, conch shell and other oddball things on The Henrys' CDs, in concert the band performs as an instrumental quartet. Instrument-wise, in concert, they have a Kona (an old slide guitar) played by Don Rooke, a guitar or two played by Monte Horton, bass by David Trevis and drums by Mike Billard.

The Henrys have been playing around Ontario and Quebec for about ten years now, with concerts here and there, including a duet with V.M. Bhatt, a shared bill with Dave Tronzo, the NXNE festival, and a house gig at Ted's Collision and Body Repair, where they slugged it out every Sunday for a year and a half. Lots of others gigs too! Further afield, there were performances at the 1996 Vancouver Folk Festival and the 1997 SXSW fest in Austin.

Ancient history: The Kona is a rare acoustic slide guitar that was made out of Hawaiian koa wood. They were manufactured in Los Angeles in the 1920s, probably by Herman Weissenborn. The instrument is traditionally played slide style, flat in the lap, with a small steel bar.

More recent history: Their first CD, Puerto Angel was released independently in Canada in June 1994. The album was picked by Joe Reilly at Ottawa Express Magazine as the number one CD of the year. As well as the instrumental core, guests on that record include Michael White (trumpet), Hugh Marsh (violin) and the singer Mary Margaret O'Hara.

Later, England's Demon Records (Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe) heard the record and released Puerto Angel in 33 European countries. The influential Q Magazine gave it a 4-star review. Those nuts at Mojo called it "a delight on numerous levels, sprightly, balming, edgy and eclectic."

"The Henrys play classic Americana," said Ink Magazine from Georgia, "wonderfully arranged, sharply talented and springing from the sheer joy of playing. In a time where most see 'roots rock' as a return to simpler folk forms, the Henrys distinguish themselves by adding flourishes that accentuate and decorate the music into something extraordinary. Subtle and immersive."

The second CD, Chasing Grace, came out in 1996. Produced by John Sheard, this disc has some keyboards, conch shell, more M.M. O'Hara and other stuff too. It was greeted with equal enthusiasm by the press, which was great: "Sinuous slide guitars and torque-wrench tight rhythms. The compositions and playing are impeccable. Make this one of your essential albums," said Folk Roots Magazine from the U.K. (Chasing Grace reviews). England's Norfolk and Suffolk Preview said, "In a time when so many artists are trying to sound original, diverse and experimental, The Henrys just seem to be light years ahead." And in Germany, Rolling Stone mag commented: "The Henrys are a relief for souls that are fed up with pop music." A song from Chasing Grace was recently included on a compilation out of Germany with the band's close personal friends Beck, Morphine, Sheryl Crow, Radiohead, Pavement, The Eeels and G-Love.

The band is currently recording a third CD.

Chasing Grace
CD $13.00 ON SALE AGAIN SEPTEMEBER 8, 2003

Social Piranhas
2. Din of Inequity
3. Bait + Switch
4. Intro: Avenues
5. Avenues of Forgiveness
6. Sawchuck Head
7. Joe Batt's Arm
8. Agony Aunt
9. Die Fieldmouse
10. Chump Changes
11. Rash
12. Sweet Daddy Siki
13. Amouse in Sheep's Clothing

Puerto Angel
CD $13.00 ON SALE AGAIN SEPTEMEBER 8, 2003

1. Adobe Abode
2. Get Out the Shovel
3. Bunt
4. The One Rose
5. Sea of Tranquillity
6. Nunc Pro Tunc
7. Dark Dear Heart
8. Look So Good
9. Muscle Beach
10. Radio Girl
11. Coyote Basin
12. Riff Raff
13. Puerto Angel