D Henry Fenton is a singer-songwriter who was born in New Zealand to Ralph and Joan
Fenton. Later raised in Australia, he strummed his first guitar at three. With hours of animated air
guitar, Fenton’s parents witnessed this teeming passion firsthand, prompting the purchase of a
Japanese metal guitar. Henry’s father was a band promoter, arranging shows for Bo Diddley and
countless local, original, and cover bands. He later urged Henry to avoid the unreliable industry
altogether. Respectfully ignoring this fatherly advice Fenton surged on, finally getting his break
opening for the prominent Irish band, the Corrs. He went on to sign with Warner Brothers/Village
Roadshow for a two-single deal. One of the singles dented the top 100. He then released his first
solo album, Autumn Sweet, recorded by early R.E.M. producer, Mitch Easter. The album received
substantial airplay in Australia and promising reviews internationally. The Sydney Morning
Herald called it “a strange and magical album” and was given “pop rock winner” status in Rolling
Stone. He went on to open for acclaimed acts including John Mayer and Colbie Caillat. Fenton’s
music blends Celtic, folk, pop, and rock, bringing to mind elites like Van Morrison, the Smiths,
Neil Young, the Beatles, and Crowded House.
Over the last several years, D Henry Fenton has been writing, recording, and performing
internationally. He has just wrapped up his latest album called Turnin’ with engineer/producer,
Steve Holroyd (Counting Crows/Tom Petty). He attributes the fuel for
Turnin’ to a disillusioned marriage coupled with the struggles of living in Los Angeles.
There is something cleansing that happens at the end of a relationship, and Turnin’ leads the
listener on a journey back to the self. The album was recorded at Roger’s Boat Studio, tucked
away neatly in the San Fernando Valley. “There are a lot of live takes on this album, which
makes for some relaxed moments in time,” says Henry. “I wanted to make something earthy and
organic, something that tapped into the heart.” These tracks are the stuff of life, and Fenton
capitalizes on this compelling interplay of emotions. The songs on Turnin' travel from traditional,
acoustic guitar-folk to indie-rock with a hint of alternative country. Henry was lucky to have
some wonderful musicians play on Turnin': Jeff Young (Jackson Browne/Steely Dan) on piano
and Hammond, Stuart Mathis (Wallflowers/Lucinda Williams) on guitar, Damien Steele Scott
(Todd Rundgren) on bass, Luke Herbert (Spooner Oldham/ GillianWelch) on drums, and lastly
Fenton on his guitar played the lion’s share of this recording.
The live band, D Henry Fenton and the Elizabethans, performs regularly in Southern
California, with the current lineup comprised of Kelsey Collins (backing vocals/percussion),
Mary Beth Kedzior (bass), Dave Krusen (drums), and D Henry Fenton (vocals/guitar). Dave
Krusen, who played on Pearl Jam’s Ten, joined the group most recently. Kelsey Collins, with her
beautifully soaring harmonies, has added an angelic character to the sound. Many of the band
members met at Cranes Hollywood Tavern. Once surging with candescence—this establishment
launched some serious careers and lasting friendships. When pinned down, Fenton has no qualms
about sharing his enthusiasm for playing to crowds of 10,000 or more, having opened for big
international touring bands in Australia. “I’d love the opportunity to do it again under my own
steam; it’s an amazing feeling! Though playing live anywhere really is a mind-altering
experience—no matter what size audience." I really enjoy performing at the Piano Bar in
Hollywood, Hotel Café, and a place called Villains Tavern downtown.” Henry is excited about
finishing Turnin’ the right way, exactly how he imagined it. When questioned, he says, “…music
is all about connecting with the listener, and I feel that this album will find its way into people’s
lives.” Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
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