Mike Bolejack, Tom Philion, Anna Hutto, Jason Windsor, Stewart Clark, Dale Baker, Chris Wangelin, Katie Wangelin, Rob Seals
Influences
David Wilcox,
Indigo Girls,
James Taylor,
Fran McKendree,
Vertical Horizon,
Kate Rusby,
Mary Chapin Carpenter,
Dar Williams,
Jonatha Brooke,
Carrie Newcomer,
Catie Curtis,
Kim Richey,
Pierce Pettis,
Ellis Paul,
Patty Griffin
Washington,DC-based singer/songwriter Sam Hensley has been writing and performing his own style of Americana music for the past 10 years. Over that, he has released two independent albums, appeared on several regional and national compilations, and won awards in regional songwriting contests. His current release, Run Like Water, has sold over 800 copies, and has received airplay on several NPR stations. His songs span the genres, from the truths of humanity, to the healing of compassion. The music is written with an honesty seldom found in commercial radio, and resonant with Sam's existence. An Amazon.com review reads, "Rare is the discovery of such a gifted, intelligent, and soulful musician and songwriter."
Born in Greensboro, NC, Sam was surrounded by music from an early age. After brief stints with piano and cello, Sam settled with the guitar, and proceeded to form an electric cover band that folded after a horrible tuning accident at a local kids fair. A demo tape exists...somewhere. After ninth grade, Sam went acoustic and has never looked back. He began to write songs between homework assignments, and eventually formed the widely popular duet, Hopeless Romantics. The group performed regionally from conventions to private parties, and recorded their only album, "Time", using six hours of studio time won by Sam in the Triad Song Slam competition. The group was destined for something, but split to pursue separate college tracks.
While at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sam continued to write and perform, becoming a regular at the local coffeehouses. He also began to work with the youth programs in the Episcopal church, traveling as far as New Hampshire to lead retreats in music programs.
After graduation in 1999, Sam recorded Beg the Sky, with the help of engineer Benjy Johnson (Benj-o-Matic) and local session players from the now defunct Weekend Excursion. Unlike the single guitar and vocal style of Time, Beg the Sky introduced the full band, with harmonica, accordion, and fiddle. In Oct 2002, Sam released his third album, Run Like Water. Produced by Rob Seals, and featuring bassist Derek Jones(former touring bassist for Nickel Creek), and percussionist Dale Baker(former drummer for Sixpence none the Richer), Run Like Water showcased a new maturity in songwriting, and a heightened level of production that Triad Style calls; "sweet and soft melancholia infused with ace musicianship." In 2004, Sam married Erin Seltzer, and moved to Alexandria, VA, where he continues to perform, teach, and leads music full-time, both in and out of church settings, with most recent appearances of note at the Eno River Festival, Durham, NC; and the National Cathedral, Washington DC.
Hey Sam! Thanks for taking a listen. I am doing quite well, just started a new semester and it's going smoothly so far. How have you been? DC still treating you well?
MyHotCommentsHello Sam, So your a Birthday New Years Baby!! Wow!! What a gift to your family!! I hope all is well. I really enjoy your music. Best of everything to you and your family. Hugs, April Hensley Baker.
Hookah Cafe is new so we'll see what it's like. Juggling Gypsy is great though, some of the greasiest food and best hookahs around town...house hookah/food for playing...sweet deal!
Hi Sam, we had such a great time with you all, cant wait to see you again this summer! Just give us a day or two notice if you can, as we are usually packed out every night during June - August! Allison
i was just listening to your tunes trying to figure out which is smoother- your finger picking or your voice. it's a toss up. the cradle show is a benefit for tom maxwell's (ex- squirrel nut zippers) son who is having health issues. there will be lots of music on the bill that night. i'll just do a quick solo set.
Jackolantern Pumpkin shining so bright. That's how we know it's Halloween night! Who's the ghost wrapped up in the sheets, Knocking on my door saying, "Trick or Treat"? Trick or Treat... Rattle and shake... Rattle and shake... Oh what spooky spooks you make!
