Word Play

These are the memoirs of a modern day troubadour, the street poetry the songs and the stories that describe those exciting days growing up and living in Los Angeles since the late 50's to present day.Take a silent journey through the life and times of singer/songwriter Hank Mann also known as Hendrik Schmoller. Hard driving and truth telling here are the easy to read song lyrics, poems and verses that will become your private guided tour through the history, the romance, the happenings and the events of a city that never stops percolating. Hendrik Schmoller's Word Play is an honest book that can be read from cover to cover or just leafed through at random, it works and inspires either way. Relax and enjoy these authentic songs, verses and observations from the front lines at what he calls ground zero. Word Play tells the story of a rock and roll wordsmith, the struggle the glory and the frustration inherent in L.A's highly competitive entertainment market place as well as and the ever changing social mores that seem to surface here on the west coast first.As an active participant in the Southern California music scene for some six decades performing at thousands of concerts, festivals, night clubs, private parties, corporate events and recording sessions, Hank grew up smack dab in the middle of this social scene we call the L.A. beat generation, the hippie movement, drugs, parties, surf and beach life as well as all the general mischief from this magical city by the sea.... Its all summed up in this banquet of words called Word PlayThe book details the comings and goings the ins and outs, a personal accounting if you will of Hank's unique perspective on life here in the fast lane. The loves won and lost the people, the friends and the trends that came and went over those amazing years. What can we learn from an observant witness to the many amazing events that grew out of the social and music scenes here in Los Angeles ? Just read Word Play and find out.
About the Author: Hendrik Schmoller professionally known as Hank Mann was raised and groomed on the West side of Los Angeles. The son of German immigrants Hank tells his story in song and verse right here in his book Word Play My parents raised my siblings and I to be Americans and embrace all the traditions our new country has to offer, my family did this lovingly and we flourished here. I have always been a writer jotting down thoughts, feelings and observations for as long as I can remember. Collecting all my papers, scraps and notations from my past to present day was no easy task because they were not all in one place...but one day I just decided to start and I am glad I did, its all right here in this book I call Word PlayAs an active participant of the L.A. music scene since the surf trends of the 60's Hank has been smack dab in the middle of all the musical mayhem this city by the sea has to offer over the last fifty years.Hanks love for music started in the 50's with early Americana folk music from groups like the Kingston trio, Hoyt Axton and Harry Bellefonte as well as all the early rock and roll music played on a.m. radio here in Los Angeles at the time. Richie Valens, Everly Brothers, Elvis, Chuck Berry, little Richard and what we now call oldie's or doo-wap music. These songs helped shape Hank's musical tastes to this day.Along came Motown, Surf music and Pop as well as Bob Dylan, Crosby Stills and Nash, Hendrix, Blood Sweat and Tears and many more. Next was the Beatles and the English influence, I loved all the tunes that came from across the pond not just the Beatles but many others as well including Ten Years After, Cream and the English spin on our American Blues music. As a singer I was also attracted to hard rock and heavy metal, some of the most fun music to sing especially with a smack'n band behind you, I have always worked with some of the best guitar players and rhythm sections around.As the saying goes if you remember the sixties you weren't there this however does not apply to Hank, he says I do remember the sixties, and I was there LOLHank has had a colorful life as a performing singer/songwriter, steel guitarist, guitarist, luthier, drummer, recording artist, licensed contractor, finish carpenter, businessman, martial artist, animal activist, tortoise keeper, graphic artist, salesman, lover, thinker, and loyal friend. I have also had some interesting jobs in the early days ranging from a tow truck driver for the auto club, a lineman for the phone company, a heavy duty truck driver and an outside salesman.Now in 2020 Hank is still actively gigging and performing with his various bands all over southern California. This book sums up the influences that stuck, and the trends that came and went from an eye witness who was there.