Year: 2006
Record Label: Self-Produced
Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic
Musicians: Nelson Hinds (trombone), Eric Gunnison (piano), Ron Bland (bass), Paul Romaine (drums), Peter Sommer (tenor sax), Todd Reid (drums), Bob Rebholz (tenor sax and flute), Brad Goode (trumpet), John Gunther (tenor sax)
Review: Trombonist and composer Nelson Hinds’ recording, Streamin’, proves, once again, just how many good musicians there are scattered throughout the United States. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, Hinds has been writing for television, documentaries and film for the last decade. Prior experience includes time with Woody Herman’s big band, in the Chuck Mangione Orchestra, and as a featured soloist with Terence Blanchard. Hinds currently lives in Denver where he has established his music studio.
Joining Hinds on this recording are fellow Colorado musicians trumpeter Brad Goode, tenor saxophonist John Gunther, and drummer Paul Romine, who are all music professors at the University of Colorado. Also on hand are saxophonist Peter Sommer who teaches at Colorado State University, flutist and saxophonist Bob Rebholz from Littleton, Colorado, pianist Eric Gunnison who teaches at the University of Denver, Denver area drummer Todd Reid and bassist Ron Bland.
Together this collection of some of Colorado’s finest play through an entertaining set of nine original compositions, all by Hinds, and an arrangement of “Basin Street Blues” retitled “Great Basin.” Overall the group brings a polished sense of élan to the charts and a solid jazz feel. If each composition breathes with life it is due in great part through Gunnison’s deft chordal voicings. His ability to instinctively know when to lay back, as he does behind Goode’s solo on “Hollywood Blues,” and when to bring his harmonizations to the fore, as executed on “Streamin’,” is done with a master’s touch. When coupled with Romaine’s exceptional cymbal play and kicking upbeat driving sensibilities, not to mention his lightly controlled stick work (check out his masterful playing on “Hollywood Blues”), and Bland’s rock-steady presence, you have the underpinnings for an excellent collection of tunes.
Standout contributions include every solo by Peter Sommer. His dance through the changes of “Monk’s Happy Meal” is as interesting a solo as any on the disc. His flawlessly executed lines eventually deconstruct into lopsided trills that trail off into intentionally disjunct lines which mimic the upcoming melody perfectly. There is great care and knowledge of his art in every note he plays. Goode waxes eloquent on “Mr. Farnsworth,” and John Gunther plays interesting ideas on “Hollywood Blues.”
Hinds as a player is more than capable. His playing seeks to find nexus points of melodic fragment and build from there and his big band background comes through in his ability to construct tightly shaped short solos. His compositions provide ample room for the soloists to move in any direction they wish without implying constraints. All-in-all, a nice collection of music from the Rocky Mountain State.
Tracks: Streamin', Poraquesa, Strollin' Down, Little Guy, Great Basin, Monk's Happy Meal, Hollywood Blues, Mr. Farnsworth, Early Morning In The Park and The Flood
Artist's Website: http://www.nelsonhinds.com
Reviewed by:
Thomas R. Erdmann
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