Hans Van Lier - Blues Guitar Netherlands Style!

(Tue Dec 12 2000)    It happened all so innocently. I was fishing around on Napster, for legal music, no really I was...this time. All of a sudden I get a message from a fellow Susan Tedeschi fan. I had one of her live recordings on my list, and Hans Van Lier (not napster name) took it upon himself to send me a message. He also is very fond of her work, and has played with Stevie Ray Vaughan's former band Double Trouble. Well, I know them to be a Austin staple.

I downloaded a few mp3's from him at his urging. I had no idea they were his, until much later. He also checked out my Susan Tedeschi review. I gave the songs a listen and was thinking how weird. I've never really listened to blues with a accent. I asked him who the awesome guitar was, and he let out a emoticon *giggle* . I could almost see Hans blushing! It's quite refreshing as well all know blues is not really a culture derision. We are born with blues in our heart, we either choose to let it in our souls, or not. Hans chose to play blues guitar, and I am glad he did.

To be honest I did not really believe him, that is until I asked for his website, and also called my friend in Austin who writes articles on 'un'local flavor Sure enough there was Hans' name, and a picture of him with the band Double Trouble. Man, how is that for luck!

Although Hans Van Lier didn't pick up the electric blues guitar until the age of 14, he was already playing the guitar. He is rather good and is self-taught. This may not sound plausible for some, but a lot of players start out this way. It seems like they are born with it, and discover the guitar. Once they have it in their hands, it seems oddly familiar, yet new.

Who Inspires Him

Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Elmore James, Luther 'guitar' Johnson and Stevie Ray Vaughan, are who he lists as his inspiration. People he listens and looks up to. We did in fact have a lengthy discussion on Stevie Ray Vaughan, not the tragedy of his death mind you, but the triumph of his music.

He chose wisely for role models and inspiration. The names above are some of the top names in blues today. Of course there are newer acts that should be mentioned, but Hans seems to prefer the classic, good ole blues.

The Sound Is Different - Yet Familiar

While Hans' sound is somewhat different, it is familiar. We know blues when we hear it, this is the blues. It however wears a accented hat. He does have sounds similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan but this is to be expected since he has played on numerous occasions with Stevie's former band Double Trouble.

His talent is there, it's evident on such songs as I'm Your Friend which starts out with good guitar, and a catchy beat. When he begins to sing we hear blues first, accent second. He sings about taking baby by the hand and taking her somewhere special. There is some good playing here, and it's worth a listen.

Hear My Guitar starts off with some good playing that seems inspired by Stevie Ray. The playing is great and evokes what the blues is to me. A guitar speaking my feelings, whether they are happy, mad, sad, or somewhere in between. Han's voice is really a nice treat, not only American's can have the blues you know!

One of his collaborative efforts with Els Willemsen in I Can't Sleep is a delightful treat as well. It's subtle at the beginning, then we hear a array of poignant licks, and riffs. The fact that I never heard of Hans before just blows my mind. The vocals on here are awesome as well, good pained, got the blues voice.

Mama Please Come Home is a song that he recorded for his new CD. It has awesome guitar work, and his vocals are strong and steady. The song starts out with Hans voice singing please come home. His voice took a second to get used to, but they soon turned into true blues. Heart, soul and wailing pain, anticipation and good feelings. I have looped this one a few times. The guitar at the end of this song is worthy of my 5 star rating if I could!

Things He Has His Hands In

He has released two CD's with Billy and the Blues Demons. They play covers of many great talents Including Stevie Ray Vaughan, and His bother's former band The Fabulous Thunderbird, plus many of their own great material.

Hans has played with Double Trouble on occasion, and the CD will be out as stated earlier in 2001. I have listened to a few of these and it sounds fabulous. There are a few mp3's available for download on the website, as well as a few pictures. A very fitting portrait shows Hans holding his guitar, with a knowing smile while standing in front of the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue memorial. Stevie Ray has a deep spot in our Texas hearts, and hopefully Hans will someday as well. He has earned his spot in mine.

Hans also lent his productive hands to the Blues United Project CD, that has many great talents. The full information is listed on his website.

Blues Netherlands Style

We all have the blues in us, we unfortunately can't pick up a guitar and make it sing. Hans displays a unique talent for playing and singing. Although as stated before he does have a accent, it only makes the song more real. I must admit it does take a bit of getting used to fans used to traditional American blues. It reminds us that blues is in your soul, and comes from within. Being self-taught, and doing so well gives him a unique edge. Playing with Double Trouble doesn't hurt either.

Hans is a welcome treat to my ears. I look forward to hearing more of what he has to offer. I look forward to his return to Austin. Seeing him live would be a real pleasure for this Southern Helle. Yes you read that right, no belle of the ball am I. I am a harsh blues critic, and I was won over. Mind you it took a long listen and a open mind. Once I got past the location (he is in the Netherlands) and how weird it was to find him, I was pleasantly surprised.

I'm glad fate brought Hans my way. He wasn't even tooting his own horn. We had talked about a love for blues, and blues guitar. It wasn't until I mentioned a review I did on Susan Tedeschi, that he offered to read MY stuff. I asked him for his web page and I am sure he sat back smiling waiting for my reaction. He's still waiting, I did not let on any clue as to how this review would go! I told him he could read it when the rest of you do!

Hans has many other songs, since he is now in his late 30's and has played here, and abroad since the age of 14. I feel he belongs here, since he is new to the States, and even some overseas ears. He has many wonderful memories to share about his experiences with guitar players and singers from across the globe. His most recent being with Mick Taylor. Countless other collaborations, concerts and stage sharing span out what I hope to be just the tip of the iceberg for Hans.

Check him out if you get a chance by dropping by his web page and downloading his mp3's. Or you can check out his two real audio tracks from the New CD with Double Trouble. They are in the Hans Van Lier and Double Trouble sections.

I truly can't wait to write a review on his new album dropping in January 2001. That will be Hans Part 2! Well you all know me, anything to write about and I'm there. Especially something that makes my ears happy.

Your comments are also welcome, as Hans is busy but still finds the time to answer me. His website is simple, and contains lots of information on his career. He has paid his dues in my book and I hope that he graces your ears soon.

~~As a note I noticed he linked to my reviews on his website...a true treat. This did not sway my review of him as I wrote this before. It's a nice surprise though. ~~

The Newly Introduced Players - But Awesome Ones!

Need Your Love So Bad - Hans Van Lier & Els Willemsen This song epitomizes how I feel when I am heartbroken. El's vocals are awesome, pain exemplified. My Netherlands friend turned me on to this (it's his song). His playing on this song seem subtle but speak volumes.

Now when the lights are low...that's when I need your love, so bad...

I call this my fantasy song. It's the song that we want to believe will happen. That last chance that will save the relationship we are clinging to. Els vocals state that love is wanted and needed. So please come home, bring his love back. How many times did I pick the phone up and think with this phone call he will take me back....just this last one...ok well this is it I swear. Worth a listen hands down.

By Erica Gamblin, Texas USA