Ken Hensley would have celebrated his birthday on 24 August, and I wanted to mark the occasion by returning to five songs that demonstrate something of the wonderful music he left behind.
These are not intended to be the definitive five greatest Ken Hensley compositions. There are simply far too many songs to choose from for that. Instead, these are five tracks I decided to play in celebration of his life, his music and the enormous contribution he made to Uriah Heep.
I am planning another video in which I will choose ten Ken Hensley tracks to form one of my imaginary compilation albums. For now, however, here are my five selections.
The Wizard – Uriah Heep
My first choice comes from the 1972 album Demons and Wizards.
Co-written by Ken Hensley and bassist Mark Clarke, “The Wizard” is one of the finest doorway tracks into the world of Uriah Heep. It is also a rather unusual way to open an album. Instead of immediately hitting the listener with something heavy, the band begins with a beautifully melodic and almost delicate song.
The production and arrangement are extraordinarily classy, while David Byron delivers one of those vocals that immediately draws you into the story. “The Wizard” remains one of my favourite Uriah Heep songs and would certainly be very close to my personal top three.
Circle of Hands – Uriah Heep Live
“Circle of Hands” originally appeared on Demons and Wizards, but for this selection I have chosen the magnificent performance from Uriah Heep Live, released in 1973.
That live album contains so many examples of Ken’s brilliance. I could have selected “Gypsy” to highlight his keyboard work or “Tears in My Eyes” as an example of his slide guitar playing. However, “Circle of Hands” is such a powerful composition that it had to be included.
The performance grows steadily in intensity as it moves towards its climax. Lee Kerslake’s drumming, Gary Thain’s remarkable bass playing and the thundering guitar work of Mick Box combine with Ken’s keyboards to demonstrate just how powerful Uriah Heep could be on stage.
The lyric “Today is only yesterday’s tomorrow” is one of those lines that stayed with me. I can remember singing it to myself while walking around the corridors at school. That is what these songs do: they become part of your life.
Rain – Ken Hensley
I could have chosen the original version of “Rain” from The Magician’s Birthday. David Byron’s performance on that recording is among his most moving vocals.
Instead, I have selected Ken’s own version from his first solo album, Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf. Released in 1973, the album was not too far removed from the world of Uriah Heep, particularly when you consider the musicians involved. Lee Kerslake played drums, Gary Thain contributed bass and Ken handled the remaining instruments.
Hearing “Rain” sung by its composer gives it a slightly different character. It is more intimate and allows us to connect directly with Ken as both a songwriter and a vocalist.
The notes accompanying the album also reveal the affection and respect that existed between the musicians. Gary Thain described Ken as a versatile writer and musician who could work convincingly in many different moods. “Rain” is a beautiful example of that versatility.
Fallen Angel – Uriah Heep
Fallen Angel, released in 1978, might not be everybody’s favourite Uriah Heep album, but I believe it contains some stunning Ken Hensley compositions.
“What Can I Do,” “What Do You Say” and “Falling in Love” are among the songs I enjoy from this period, but for this celebration I have chosen the title track.
“Fallen Angel” is a mesmerising ballad, lifted by those distinctive Uriah Heep vocal harmonies. It demonstrates Ken’s ability to write something melodic, emotional and immediately memorable without losing the character of the band.
For me, this remains classic Uriah Heep and a wonderful example of Ken Hensley’s songwriting.
Salisbury – Uriah Heep
My final choice is the monumental title track from Salisbury.
Written by David Byron, Mick Box and Ken Hensley, this 16-minute composition reveals the extraordinary scope and imagination of the early Uriah Heep. It takes the band into progressive and classically influenced territory, similar in ambition to some of the musical experiments Deep Purple were undertaking during the same period.
Mick Box contributes one of his finest guitar solos, while Paul Newton’s fluid and frequently jazzy bass playing is superb throughout. At the centre of it all are Ken Hensley’s keyboards, helping to give the piece its scale, drama and remarkable depth.
“Salisbury” shows that Uriah Heep were capable of moving far beyond the boundaries of a conventional rock song. It is ambitious, adventurous and an essential part of Ken Hensley’s musical legacy.
What Five Tracks Would You Choose?
Those are the five tracks I played to remember Ken Hensley on his birthday:
- “The Wizard”
- “Circle of Hands” – live
- “Rain” – Ken Hensley solo version
- “Fallen Angel”
- “Salisbury”
There are so many others I could have chosen, and I am sure your list will be different from mine.
What five Ken Hensley songs would you play to celebrate his music? They can come from Uriah Heep, his solo career or any of the other projects he contributed to. Please share your choices in the comments so we can continue celebrating this wonderfully gifted musician and songwriter.
Music is the healer and the doctor. Keep spinning those discs.
