Milan Hendrik EXP

The Loop -  review  19/8/16
MILAN HENDRIK EXP - “Applegate Drive”
Starring the vocals and music of Belle Hendrik this new release from one of the region’s most outstanding blues singers stands out like a red ruby in a front tooth. Hendrik is known nationally as Australia’s most pre­eminent interpreter of Janis Joplin, starring in Pearl –The Janis Joplin Rockumentary and also performing Joplin in the Songs of the Haight Ashbury Stage Show – both to great acclaim. The CD opens with Looking at the Moon which showcases a robust big band sound featuring soul inspired backing vocals and a production that called to mind early Stevie Winwood – and of course a large dose of Janis Joplin. Hendrik embraces her rough edge beautifully creating an authentic ballsy sound. The CD is mostly raw and bluesy but also gives a nod to honky tonk with a playful rhinestone twang. The standout track Highway Blues melds crunching organ, driving bass and anthemic vocals. Hendrik allows her voice to break and crack artfully all over Applegate Drive while maintaining a focused strong technique. How does one sound tough and vulnerable at the same time? Hendrik has mastered this illusive art. This woman can bring home the Blues with a thud, a howl and a whisper, what a voice - Nick Hanlon - The Loop

‘Applegate Drive is truly extraordinary. It’s an album that dominates the listener’s attention with a diverse, terrifically performed palette of songs and emotions. Every one of the eleven tracks has its place, and there’s no fat to be found - nothing that could have been trimmed. It’s a razor sharp collection that sets a new bar for blues rock in the independent music community. So, yes, it is very much worth grabbing on the service of your choosing come Monday!
Independent Spotlight - Brett Stewart

Belle Hendrik's voice is like Chili Chocolate Caramel with Bite!

Belle's singing has a natural sensuality I've rarely heard.
An awesome talent - Jan Preston

Calvin and I LOVE your singing and we were impressed to witness your evolution as a bassplayer. 
You have the complete band with The Rogue Gene and the harmonies with
Jo and Liza were sublime! Calvin Welsh & Tim ihearmusic.com

Just thought I’d let you know that I am listening to your album and I absolutely love it.
Thanks for the CD! All the best Chris Gudu DJ Radio Skid Row
(The Blues Highway - CD of the week)

Belle Hendrik

I fell in love with blues, soul funk and jazz music - its in everything I do but I do it in my own way - everything retro I love and I love playing music.  Its a way of life - not a job.

Born in New Zealand Belle's musical journey started in Sydney,  Australia where she became a sought after backing singer for various acts including the reunion of ex-members of AC/DC and the Masters Apprentices, The Burgess Brothers (appearing in the film The Comeback Kings) and worked alongside such luminaries as singers Tina Harrod, Dee Dee Lavell, Liza Ohlback, (The Honeybees)  John Hill , Jeff Duff and musicians Tim Gaze, Rex Goh, Tim Burton, and was part of the soul/funk scene spearheaded by the late Jackie Orszaczky, running two successful Soul/Funk bands Soul Kitchen and The Honeybees.

A move to the UK saw her band performing in Europe and the Middle East and was for four years based in London releasing two CD's with Milan Hendrik Express (formally the Rogue Gene) playing a multitude of gigs along the way and joining forces with some of the best musicians in the blues, soul, jazz scene.

In 2016 Belle joined the cast of the Rockumentary "Pearl - The Janis Joplin Story" touring Nth Queensland and performing at prestigious venues such as the Darwin Entertainment Center,  The Araluen Arts Center in Alice Springs and the Mackay Entertainment Center.   Her love of theater and performance has lead to the creation of a new musical work -  "The Outta Space People" book by Belle Hendrik, music by Barry Milan and lyrics by Barry Milan and Belle Hendrik, which will be showcased in 2021 along with a CD release of the 18 original songs in the score.

Enjoying a repertoire from Jazz to Blues, Belle has sung with 12 piece swing band, The WellSwung Daddies and played at festivals at the Manly Jazz Festival, Cooly Rocks On, Warwick Jumpers n Jazz festivals.  Belle was lead singer in Sould has played guitar and bass with Mick Buckley & the Hepcats and blues band The Propellers with Peter C and Les Karski, Jason Caspen and Dr Baz.

Currently Bell plays bass and sings with Limerick - Modern Celtic Band who have released 2 Cd's and one the best new band award at the Australian Celtic Music Awards 2020.
CD Releases
Applegate Drive - Milan Hendrik Express

The album was recorded in Byron Bay and the USA.  Featuring John Hill on Hammond and piano Rex Carter, Lenny Reilly (Bourbon Street) and Jason Meekins (USA) on drums.
The album is a mix of songs by Barry Milan and Belle Hendrik produced by Barry Milan who on vocals and guitar. Special guest - Jamie Symons on Harmonica (Devil's Kiosk).

Soul Food at Johnny Lee Fongs - The Rouge Gene featuring Belle Hendrik

Recoded at Rockinghorse Studios in the Byron Bay Hinterland and engineered by the late and great Anthony Lycenko with piano - Alan Park (Cliff Richard, Devils Banquet) John Hill - Hammond and piano, Len Reilly drums, Belle Hendrik - bass and vocals, Barry Milan - guitar and vocals and special guest Andy Thompson - saxophone (Dire Straits, Moving Pictures).

The Ballade of Sojourner Truth - Belle Hendrik

First CD collaboration for Belle Hendrik and Barry Milan.  An album of diverse songs reminiscent of bands such Massive Attack and Portishead.  Recorded in Sydney with guest vocals Tina Harrod, Liza Ohback and saxophone - Jason Morphett.

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Reviews

In this evening’s edition of the Independent Spotlight, we shine our gaze on Milan Hendrik EXP, a blues rock outfit with that’s about to release their third studio endeavor, an album called ‘Applegate Drive.’ The eleven new tracks are particularly refreshing for fans of soulful blues performances in the indie scene - a seemingly increased rarity these days. The album is set to drop this Monday, August 1, and will be available on all major digital music platforms. Is ‘Applegate Drive’ worth grabbing next week? Let’s dig into it and find out.
 
Typically when I receive content to review from indie artists and bands, I receive disjointed emails of erratic MP3’s and disorganized Dropbox folders. I’ve learned over the last several years that the scene is many things, but it’s rarely tidy and organized. I must laud Milan Hendrik EXP in that regard. I received an early copy of ‘Applegate Drive’ presented beautifully in a high quality DDP player. The presentation, though, is accented more importantly by the production. This album is mixed and mastered in a grand fashion.
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Soul Food at Johnnie Lee Fongs
It is a 10 track CD with great band work from
Guitars, Drums, Key Board, and a fine Soul/bluesy
Saxophone and Belle on Bass. We have 10 tracks
of Soulful Blues. I tried to pick some favourites
but you can't pick any one song as they all fall
into each other with beautiful Bluesy vocals from
Belle on all tracks.
I don’t like saying Belle sounds like!!!
Belle Hendrik is who she is, it is her sound and
stands alone with her soul/blues sound which is her.

This is a solid record that will please all blues fans. It will bring Belle Hendrik to the attention of a wider audience. Which is well earned, this Cd will find a prominent place among my blues collection.
Warwick Ledsham (8ktr Community Radio Katherine)
Superior thoughtful songwriting and compelling
well-crafted performance! Kerry Leigh
Beautiful vocals, and the sax in He's So fine is amazing! - Rani-Leigh Lindquist