Hank Hehmsoth: A Revolutionary Force in Music and Art

The development of Hank Hehmsoth as a musician and artist is evidence of his unmatched commitment to his art and his spirit of innovation. He has combined music and visual art in novel ways over the years, reaching significant milestones that have not only increased his career but also transformed the intersection of these art forms.

Hehmsoth's artistic journey started with an inquisitive interest in visual art and a deep love of music. His early forays at drawing and sketching as a child supplemented his official instruction on jazz and classical piano. His passion for the visual arts provided a supplementary means of artistic expression, even throughout his time at college, when he concentrated on music.

A unique and defining moment in Hehmsoth’s journey was his study of hands—his own hands. As a left-handed pianist, an uncommon trait in the world of classical and jazz music, he sketched his hands to better understand their interaction with the piano. This study was not only symbolic of his improvisational spirit but also practical. As a left-handed pianist in a predominantly right-handed field, Hehmsoth was interested in understanding how his physicality influenced his technique. This exploration became foundational for his approach to both music and art, providing insights that informed his creative processes across disciplines.

The 1980s, a crucial decade that saw the start of Hehmsoth's groundbreaking achievements, saw the beginning of his interest in technology. He wrote the soundtrack for Scary Movie using equipment like the Yamaha C1 computer and the Akai S1000 sampler. This soundtrack, which was made on a small budget, included spooky violins, creative sound effects, and frightening percussion. Film writer James Jay Edwards emphasized the score's "ominous chord beds" and avant-garde sound, while other critics commended it for its intricacy and atmospheric qualities. This project was one of the first instances where Hehmsoth integrated cutting-edge technology with traditional orchestration, showcasing his ability to bridge the gap between analog and digital soundscapes—a recurring theme in his work.

In addition to his work with sound, Hehmsoth embraced video and digital design. Using tools like the Video Toaster on his Amiga computer and later mastering Macromedia’s Flash, Fireworks, and Dreamweaver, he expanded his artistic repertoire. One of his notable digital designs was the album cover for Exits, a testament to his multidisciplinary skill. His proficiency in video production with Final Cut Pro further solidified his role as a trailblazer, leading to projects like the Morgenstern Collection and his extensive YouTube Artist Channel, which features over 560 videos. These include retrospectives on Jerry Goldsmith’s film scores and rare 1970s broadcasts of Just Jazz on WTTW/Chicago.

The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for Hehmsoth, reigniting his passion for visual art as live performances came to a halt. During this period, he created a music video for John Mills Times Ten, titled Basement Panorama. This ambitious project brought together musicians who recorded their parts from home, exemplifying creative collaboration under challenging circumstances. It demonstrated resilience and adaptability, highlighting the power of technology and creativity to overcome barriers. Hehmsoth seamlessly assembled the individual contributions into a cohesive piece, underscoring his innovative spirit.

Simultaneously, Hehmsoth produced nine original artworks as visual companions to the tracks on his 2024 album Blu-Escape and for his band, Double Vision. These pieces were not only visual companions but also designed as performance visuals, creating an immersive experience for live audiences. Each artwork, such as “Blu-Escape,” “Chernobyl Cha Cha,” and “Sophie’s Danse,” reflects the essence of his compositions, telling stories that deepen the emotional connection to the music.

The phrase "digital jazz canvases," which Hehmsoth coined to characterize his special method of producing art that mimics the spontaneity and structure of jazz improvisation, best captures his inventive energy. He reflects the harmonic and rhythmic dynamics of his music by layering forms, textures, and vivid colors using programs like Procreate, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Just as jazz musicians respond to each other in real time, his digital artwork involves layering and improvisation, creating a dynamic interplay of forms and colors. His method treats the digital canvas as a stage where themes and patterns interact like members of a jazz ensemble, fusing accuracy and intuition.

In addition to his own accomplishments, Hank Hehmsoth's contributions to music and art mark a paradigm shift in the ways that these fields can support and strengthen one another. Beyond maximizing his success, he has consistently shared his knowledge and inspired countless others through mentorship and education. Teaching and guiding aspiring artists and musicians have been cornerstones of his career, forming an integral part of his legacy.

Through his dedication, Hehmsoth has redefined what it means to be an artist in the modern era, leaving an indelible mark on both music and art. His journey is a powerful reminder that true innovation comes from the courage to blend disciplines, embrace technology, and continually evolve.