Allen Hinds – Beyond It All

 

I’m not familiar with this artist. When I read his handle, I thought he was either the king of ketchup or the touchy-feely teacher from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Take it whatever way you like, but he’s neither a condiment nor Jeff Spicoli’s arch-nemesis. Then again, this is a guitarist with a lot of class. He’s already released an album called Fact of the Matter and in doing so; he’s passed the quiz with flying colors. In his sophomore exam, his scores range from straightforward blues to candid jazz.

 

He also sits in with numerous musicians: Jeff Babko, Mark McMillan, Renato Neto, Brian Simpson, Larry Kimpel, Jimmy Haslip, Dwayne Smitty Smith, David Hughes, Jimmy Earl, Melvin Davis, Will Kennedy, Dave Hooper, Deborah Dobkin, Tollak Ollestad, Ron King, Randy Crawford, and Katisse Buckingham. For those of you who have been taking notes, you will recognize some of his peers.

 

Without wasting time on the pre-requisites, let’s skip a grade and scrutinize the syllabus of his interpretational fusion further:

 

1. Elegant Decadence – The title hits the nail on the head. This sits on the fence between thorny and unfussy. Altogether, it’s clean and decent debauchery; kind of like a sports sedan or a muscular speedster. Initially, it rolls off the lot at a reasonable rate. This law-abiding auto-ist continues to adhere to all posted signs. It’s apparent Hinds has nothing to prove as he unpretentiously and effortlessly doles out the licks. For its duration, the drums coast at its sides. Plus, the harmonica solo is properly placed within the refrain. These options complement the core features, which include keyboards and guitars. The fading finish attached to the trailer is clearly buffed all the way to where that last audible note is just barely made out.

 

2. Redland Road - I’d hate to give you another car analogy, but this one is a cruiser. With the pedal disengaged and the gauges somewhat below redline; the buzzing guitars politely cough from the tailpipe of this Mini-Cooper. The style of this cut is not too dissimilar from Daryl Steurmer’s most easygoing fare.

 

3. Worn But Not Tattered – While the fabric is smudged and the laces are warped, these sneakers are still a decent fit. Its lack of traction won’t cause the blisters on your heels to fester. Additionally, the rubber on these radials hasn’t lost their grip either. Due to its pace, no one would blame you if you confused this subcompact for a lemon. Yet, this ripe convertible is completely dependable from the front bumper to the back. What’s also interesting is that this is one of the few that utilizes a walkie-talkie, as it’s enhanced by a very poised singer named Randy Crawford. Take note; this Randy is actually a dame. Her technique is a combination of Tracy Chapman, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, and Macy Gray.

 

4. Beyond It All – The sticker over the glass states that this one has the most panache. Believe it or not, it does and it comes at a great price. You can’t afford to pass this one up. This is fusion at its best, and this is not coming from a used car salesmen. The guitars vary from calm to moody. The sax and harmonica catalyze with a calm electric axe. The only averse reaction is when it’s out of gas. Sorry to say; it stops much too soon and could benefit from a bigger tank.

 

5. Kate and Dave's – This party can’t be missed. Remember when you used to drive around town in your grocery-getter with your arm around your honey? Well, this seducer of swing raises that a couple notches and takes her on a horse-drawn carriage. The hoofs clank while people gawk and stare. This moves along as the townspeople are in awe of its assets. While the piano slurs its words and the designated drums pop, the guitars are both high on sweet elation and under the influence of drunken confidence and liquid courage. You can bet your bottom dollar that this song is self-assured. It successfully utilizes a multi-lateral approach from the guitars. Before the kiss of one guitar has left its lips, another riff is prompt to pucker up.

 

6. March 28th – Save the date for the knot-tying ceremony. If you don’t have it in the planner, you may soon forget it due to this melodious distraction. Again, we have brilliant layers from the star instrument. With percussive beats urging them down the aisle, acoustic and electric guitars are soon to seal the deal. It’s not long before the guitars are gliding on the dance floor.

 

7. Now Really - So maybe I’ve gone too far with the allusions. For that reason, I’ll be pinpoint accurate with this one. We have a sliding guitar with swanky drums, and the tempo is precisely average. Nothing unusual here, but it’s a keeper. Due to its sensible approach, I’m sold on this rough-hewn and homespun number.

 

8. Bad Baby - This problem-child and hell-boy will win your heart even if he’s crashed your mint-condition collectible into a toy store. With his horns swapped for an affable flute, how you can you not adore it? This is what I’d consider a contemporary form of the lost art of Canterbury. The snares are shucked aside like money from your wallet. Even with the penalties and fees, the experience of rearing this devilish ditty is worth it. I’m sure you’ll agree; the reimbursement is reaped in a myriad of intangible ways.

 

9. Closure - No need to interject or force an intervention. The melodies in this piece are tame and bittersweet. Lubing the moving parts are reverberating guitars and synthetic polymers. It’s more lonesome than a dove on its isolated flight to deliver a peace treaty. Even more so than a mollycoddled toddler, this baby steals the show and leaves us with a decisive end - as well as something to sleep on. Once tucked in, it’s more effectual than melatonin.

 

Regrettably, this material isn’t as boundless as the title suggests. What I mean to say is that for this unidentified artist named Allen Hinds: the skies the limit.

 

8.25/10