Some people buy motorcycles. Others embark on epic journeys or lavish, pharaonic holidays. For my sixtieth birthday, I received something beyond my wildest dreams: the return of my favorite band from the ’70s, Henry Cow.
At first, none of the four shared my enthusiasm for reviving that venerable name. Over the decades, each had pursued their own path – intelligent, courageous explorations, diverging from the original core. “People expect us to perform Nirvana for Mice…” was the familiar refrain. But I saw something else, something they all shared: an unshakable brilliance in the intuitive and syncretic art of spontaneous music.
Then one morning, the name came to me like a key: Henry Now. I told John (probably waking him), then Fred. And so, on November 18, 2022, they returned to the stage. Not to recreate the past, but to perform new music. Together again.
Ephemeral within the ephemeral, this is a musical supernova, a convergence of talent, grace, musicianship, and wild imagination. I am deeply grateful to Fred for the care, patience, and dedication he and Tim brought to releasing this album for Dark Companion; to Chris, for his legendary wit and help with the cover; and to John, for helping make Henry Now a reality.
Max Marchini
