Original Works:
Composing the Soundtrack of Jazz
A Composer’s Journey in Jazz and Beyond
Hank Hehmsoth’s compositions are a rich tapestry woven from decades of exploration in jazz and beyond. From intimate jazz pieces to large-scale works, Hank’s catalog spans over 200 original compositions, each reflecting his distinct voice and relentless pursuit of innovation. His journey as a composer has taken him from crafting evocative jazz suites to creating immersive works for ballet, film, musical theater, and documentary scores, always pushing the boundaries of form and expression.
As a composer, Hank Hehmsoth has scored numerous productions across TV and film, blending his signature jazz style with cinematic storytelling. View IMDB Profile.
Collaborating with ensembles such as the Kandinsky Trio from New York and crafting commissioned works for diverse groups, including steel drum orchestras, Hank has honed a style that’s both versatile and uniquely his own. Each piece, whether a solo jazz composition or an orchestral score, tells a story that resonates deeply, drawing listeners into a world of vivid harmonies and emotional nuance. With multiple awards honoring his contributions to jazz and modern composition, Hank’s work continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike, capturing the spirit of jazz while embracing the vast possibilities of contemporary music.
Large-Scale Works
“Two Desert Dances”
Awarded a prestigious MacDowell Fellowship in 2011, Hank Hehmsoth’s “Two Desert Dances” merges jazz with rare Native American recordings from the 1950s. Inspired by archival field recordings from New Mexican Native Americans, the pieces reflect Hank’s deep research and creative integration of traditional melodies with contemporary jazz. Selected as the MacDowell Norton Stevens Fellow, one of the highest honors for U.S. artists, recognizing contributions to the global arts community.
"Three Shades of Blue," a unique chamber jazz composition by Hank Hehmsoth, commissioned by the renowned Kandinsky Trio. Premiered on April 16, 2013, this work blurs the lines between contemporary art music and jazz, capturing the essence of genre fusion. The piece was composed to celebrate the Kandinsky Trio’s 25th anniversary, a milestone for one of America’s longest-standing chamber ensembles, known for their dedication to both classical and modern repertoire.
Performed by the Kandinsky Trio—Elizabeth Bachelder on piano, Benedict Goodfriend on violin, and Alan Weinstein on cello—this composition was presented alongside Texas State University’s Common Experience theme, “A Global Odyssey: Exploring Our Connections to the Changing World.” Three Shades of Blue reflects the evolving landscape of music and our connections in an ever-changing world.
“Scary Movie” (1991)
– A Cult Classic Scored by Hank Hehmsoth Decades before Scary Movie became a household name, the original 1991 Austin-filmed horror satire made its mark, featuring Academy Award nominee John Hawkes in his film debut. Hank crafted a chilling orchestral score that has since received renewed acclaim, accompanying the film’s limited re-release through the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA). His innovative soundtrack, created on a low budget with an Akai S1000 sampler, evokes suspense with eerie strings, inventive sound effects, and haunting percussion. Praised for its ahead-of-its-time sound, Hehmsoth’s score has garnered attention for its complex, atmospheric quality. Film critic James Jay Edwards noted the score’s eerie melodies and “ominous chord beds,” calling it one of the film’s standout elements. Scored in close collaboration with director Daniel Erickson, Hehmsoth’s work on Scary Movie was crafted to evoke classic horror soundscapes on a limited budget, showcasing his improvisational skill in blending orchestral elements with inventive sound effects.
View the film’s listing on IMDB: Scary Movie
“Freedom STOMP”
an original composition by jazz composer Hank Hehmsoth, performed live on April 12, 2012, at Mysterium for New Music. Freedom STOMP blends jazz with the spirit of the American Indian Stomp Dance, creating a rhythmic energy that invites listeners to consider the possibilities of self-expression and freedom in music. Listen closely, and you might even catch echoes of the Star-Spangled Banner woven into the improvisation. This piece is a tribute to the liberties protected by the First Amendment, using music to celebrate the right to create without limits.
"RITÚ DEL SOL ANDES: DIEM" (1996): This program cover commemorates Hank Hehmsoth's original ballet composition, "Ritú Del Sol Andes: Diem," a groundbreaking work of world music for Andean flutes and tribal drums. Commissioned by Ballet Austin and choreographed by director Toni Bravo for the Kinesis Dance/Theatre Project, the ballet premiered at the Mary Moody Northen Theatre in Austin, TX, on June 7–8, 1996.
Blending Hehmsoth’s signature jazz orchestration with Andean cultural themes, the piece celebrates the vitality of ritual and sunlight through its evocative fusion of jazz, world music, and contemporary dance. This preserved program cover showcases the artistic vision behind this dynamic collaboration, marking a significant milestone in Hehmsoth's career as a composer and cultural innovator.
“Carlos 'n Charlie's”
Dedicated to The Knights of Steel, this vibrant composition for steel band celebrates global rhythms and the spirit of unity. Inspired by the renowned South American club chain, Carlos 'n Charlie's combines Caribbean influences with jazz improvisation, creating a dynamic fusion that embodies the joy and energy of steel band music.
Commissioned by New Music USA and supported by the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division, Carlos 'n Charlie's premiered at the One World Theatre during the 15th Annual Inside Out Steelband Festival. Winner of the JCOI Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute Special Recognition Award in 2010, this work continues to resonate, blending traditional steel band sounds with contemporary jazz in a tribute to the vibrant spirit of international collaboration.
“X-trusions: A Déjà Vu in 4D” for String Quartet
a large-scale composition by Hank Hehmsoth that blends the improvisational spirit of jazz with the intricate precision of contemporary classical music. Written for string quartet, the work was inspired by a vivid dream and initially conceived as a jazz piece for the Hank Hehmsoth Trio. This piece was awarded First Place in the 2010 NACUSA Texas Composition Competition and was premiered at the International Joint Conference on Latin-American and Modern Music. Its fusion of styles and innovative structure reflect Hehmsoth's approach to merging genres and exploring new musical frontiers.
"Lady Bird Johnson: Legacy of a First Lady"
Hank Hehmsoth composed the original score for this 1999 documentary produced by the U.S. National Park Service, which chronicles the life, achievements, and lasting contributions of Lady Bird Johnson. The film celebrates her role as a pioneer in environmental conservation and her influence as First Lady of the United States. The documentary is screened hourly at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Johnson City, Texas.
Inscription: “for Hank Hehmsoth, whose talents added pleasure and charm to “my film” on this special day” – Lady Bird Johnson
View the film’s listing on IMDB: Lady Bird Johnson Documentary
"WALK WITH ME" (1996): Program cover from the premiere of "WALK WITH ME," an original musical play composed, directed, and performed by Hank Hehmsoth. Commissioned by St. Edward's University and presented at the Mary Moody Northern Theatre from April 16-28, 1996, this innovative work was directed by Melba Martinez with a script by David Kramer and story by Martinez. The musical explores themes of medieval spirituality, drawing on the ancient practice of contemplative labyrinth walking—a ritual meditation pathway walked by nuns to symbolize spiritual journeys. With music and lyrics by Hehmsoth and contributions from recording artists Hartt and Illuminada, the program cover serves as a rare artifact of this immersive work, which combined historical reverence and original jazz-infused composition to offer audiences a moving journey of reflection and prayer.