Hans Theessink
Hans Theessink
After more than 8,000 concerts and 50 years on the road, Hans Theessink has established himself as an institution in the world of roots music. His soulful renditions of solo acoustic blues have become his trademark, and with his resonant voice, distinctive guitar style, and effortless groove, the Dutch musician and adopted Viennese is in high demand worldwide. His tours have taken him across Europe, North America, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia. In the United States – the home of the blues – Hans is the only European consistently invited to perform at the largest blues, roots, jazz, and folk festivals, always guaranteeing top-notch blues and roots music. The American press has dubbed the two-time Amadeus Award winner and recipient of the Golden Merit Award of the City of Vienna an "international blues treasure." The legendary Bo Diddley once remarked, "A hell of a good guitarist." Enthusiastic reviews, awards, and nominations have continuously acknowledged the high quality of his work. In 2011, the biography "Big Bill's Guitar" by music journalist Dietmar Hoscher, featuring forewords by Georg Danzer and Michael Köhlmeier, was released. Hans was inducted into the Dutch Blues Hall of Fame in 2018.
He has released 30 albums, a songbook, an instructional video, and a DVD. The guest list on his recordings is filled with prominent figures, ranging from country and western icons like Dolly Parton and Cowboy Jack Clement to folk legends such as Arlo Guthrie, Donovan, The Dubliners, Richard Thompson, and Derroll Adams, as well as funk luminaries like Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, and Pee Wee Ellis, and exceptional blues artists like Ry Cooder, The Holmes Brothers, Charles Brown, and Terry Evans.
The press has consistently showered praise on Hans Theessink, recognizing him as a formidable force in the world of acoustic blues. Here's what they have to say about him:
"Hans Theessink is one of the fiercest acoustic players in Europe and one of the top acoustic blues stars worldwide... This guy is the real deal, simply a blues master who is as good as it gets on every level." - www.thecountryblues.com (USA)
"A killer picker with a magical voice." - Midwest Record, USA
"Nothing less than a rare musical masterpiece." - Blues Underground Network, CAN
"The electricity's turned off, but there's plenty of power." - No Depression Magazine, USA
"A storyteller of the highest order." - Billtown Blues Association, USA
"Bare to the bone blues brilliance..." - Big City Blues, USA
"Hans Theessink is an international blues treasure. He is one of the world's pre-eminent pickers and his warm baritone expresses blues." - Blues Revue, USA
"ONE HELLUVA GUITAR PLAYER." - Bo Diddley
"Mr. Theessink sings the blues with a voice the texture of black molasses and plays guitar as if he were born to it. The overall feel of the music is devastatingly competent." - The Living Tradition, UK
"A masterclass in how to play the blues with soul and authenticity." - R2, UK
"If you enjoy lyrics that tell a story supported by laidback, emotional guitar pickin', you'll love Hans Theessink and 'Wishing Well'!" - bluemondaymonthly, USA
"★★★★★ for 'Wishing Well' – one of the true treasures released, so far, for 2013. Some of the most quiet, contemplative, and enjoyable music you have likely heard in a very long time." - Blues Underground Network, John Vermilyea, CAN
"Emotionally deep, the songs are true communicators; clearly showing the mastery and respect Theessink has for this music." - Long Island Blues Society, Dr. Blues CD reviews, USA
"It must be hard to stay fresh and exciting when you've spent so long in the music industry; Hans Theessink makes it seem easy. ★★★★★" - MuzikReviews.com, James Hinton (USA)
"Hans sings in what I call a cool Delta style-airy and ethereal yet with a deep connection he's learned from many pilgrimages. Hans' guitar is sublimity with deft picking, smooth sliding and the smoothness of Mississippi river silt." - Long Island Blues Society, Dr. Blues (USA)
"Acclaimed as a master of the Delta/Piedmont roots blues styles, Hans Theessink brings power and energy to his performances. His slide and fingerpicking virtuosity far surpasses every other player we've seen." - Uncle Calvin's, Dallas TX, USA
"It's an honor to the Delta blues and gospel tradition to have someone with Theessink's experience demonstrating his sincere, humble, and grateful virtuosity…" - Nightflying, USA
"Theessink is an amazing writer/picker/singer that has the kind of magic that lets him capture lightning in a bottle every time he steps up to the mic — pure hot stuff." - Midwest Record, USA