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Anna’s new book, Singing for Supper: A Busker’s Tale, chronicles her remarkable journey from her early, formative years to her current life as a successful musician. The book takes readers on an intimate voyage through Anna’s experiences as a busker, traveling extensively through Greece and Australia, and sharing her heartfelt songs with the world.
Anna’s story begins in her youth, a time marked by both joy and sorrow. The loss of her mother to cancer left an indelible mark on her young life, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of the world at a tender age. Despite these challenges, Anna possessed an indomitable spirit and a deep passion for music, which would guide her through difficult times and shape her future path.
Driven by a desire for adventure and a yearning for connection, Anna embarked on a journey of self-discovery, taking to the streets of Greece and Australia with her guitar in hand. She embraced the life of a busker, sharing her music with passersby and immersing herself in the diverse cultures and landscapes of these countries.
Anna’s time on the road was not without its hardships. She faced poverty, loneliness, and the constant uncertainty of her next meal. Yet, amidst these challenges, she discovered an unwavering resilience and a profound appreciation for the simple joys of life. Her experiences on the streets transformed her into a compassionate and empathetic individual, deepening her understanding of the human condition.
Throughout her journey, Anna’s music served as a source of solace, inspiration, and connection. Her songs, infused with the emotions and experiences of her life, resonated with listeners, drawing them into her world of melodies and stories. Anna’s lyrics, interwoven throughout the book, offer a glimpse into her soul, revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings.
In addition to her solo performances, Anna also found fulfillment in her role as the lead singer and songwriter for the band Hennesea. Their music, a blend of Americana, country and folk, reflects Anna’s diverse influences and her deep connection to the human experience. This website provides a platform for their music to reach a wider audience.
Singing for Supper: A Busker’s Tale is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect. Anna’s story is a beacon of hope for those who have faced adversity, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light to guide the way. Through her music and her words, Anna reminds us that the human spirit is capable of extraordinary things, and that the journey of life, with all its challenges and triumphs, is a gift to be cherished.
Hennesea are a five-piece new-folk rock band from Malvern in Worcestershire. They regularly play gigs and festivals around the UK and their music is available on, Spotify, Amazon and as CDs from this website. They play original new folk and timeless covers.
Soon, Anna and Jane were joined by Mark Keene on guitar and Garry Low on drums and percussion. Both have been with the band ever since. Shine On was released in July 2013 with six tunes that added a little rock influence.
The first full album came in 2015. Book of Life features a baker’s dozen of eclectic ensemble pieces that range from the winsome title track to the magnificent Light Above the Sea. The latter features Martin Furey of the High Kings on backing vocals and flute.
Garry is also an accomplished recording engineer and have been responsible for engineering and producing Hennesea’s releases.
Anna, Mark and Garry were joined by a plethora of guest musicians and the band moved in a new musical direction, both folky and bluesy. The third EP, One Fine Day, was released in the Summer of 2014. This exciting working featured guest musicians, Mae Hunter on harmony vocals and flute with Paul Boyce on bass.
Since 2019 Hennesea have been joined on stage by Rob Murray Mason. He began sound mixing the gigs but soon was adding percussion and backing vocals. Rob and Ralph have played together for over a decade in Funky Junky Monkeys.
Hennesea comes from the Swedish word Hennes which means ‘hers’. Anna Watts and Jane Devereaux started playing together as a duo in 2011. Their first release, an EP called Lost for Words featured six original songs written by Anna.
Watch Hennesea’s Faisons Comme Si. The stylish film noir ‘La Femme Fatale’ features the song.
In 2016 Ralph Tittley joined Hennesea on bass guitar and backing vocals. Since then, the band has played many gigs and festivals including the BBC stage at Lakefest, Mappfest, Sunshine Festival and Cwm Fest. The new album’ Laced with Gold, was released in January 2021 and includes the singles The Same Tune and Faisons Comme Si.
Special offer: free download of our live album when you buy the Laced with Gold CD.
Our latest album, Laced with Gold is now available everywhere . . . even on CD! Visit our shop to get your hard copy and, as a special bonus, get a free download of our live album.
We are extremely please to say that we played the first Funky Bunker V-Sessions on Sat Aug 1st 2020.
It was live performance, streamed to the world from a studio in West Malvern.
With fully mixed audio and multi-camera video. Just like on TV!
The live stream of Hennesea’s original new folk and timeless covers can be viewed on YouTube and more details about the V-Sessions can be found on their website or Facebook page. A live album of the concert was released in early 2021.
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