IndieMusic.com Review of Beyond the Pale (Paradigm Records) by David J. Klug
/"Makes some of the most accessible music the Americana genre has to offer".
This record continues to gain high praise from critics and the music industry alike, and Beyond The Pale was just recently re-released by Valley Entertainment this April. Henderson also received national exposure through a December appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, and was invited back after the Valley release. Born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Henderson relocated first to Austin and eventually landed in New York City where he formed roots rock bands Hearts And Minds and High Plains Drifters. His 1997 solo debut, The Wheels Roll (Paradigm), peaked at # 11 on the Gavin Americana national radio chart. The release of Beyond The Pale comes after Henderson's successful battle with cancer last year, and finds him joined by drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney, Junior Brown), keyboardist/accordionist Charlie Giordano (Joe Cocker), guitarist Andy York (John Mellencamp), bassist Paul Ossola, and guitarist and producer Kerryn Tolhurst. Henderson wrote or co-wrote all tracks on Beyond The Pale, including "Flatlands" with Matthew Grimm (Hangdogs), and "Mexico" with Curtis Stigers. He writes story songs about hard times, hopes and dreams, and the best track, "I Never Lost An Arm," laments lost love (and was the song Henderson played on the Late Show). On Beyond The Pale, Henderson sounds completely comfortable - and inspired, and makes some of the most accessible music the Americana genre has to offer.