Paul Hemmings' fresh approach to the guitar trio comes to life on In & Out, his debut recording for Leading Tone Records. The New York-based guitarist leads his trio on a journey through evocative improvisations that blend emotional honesty with con [+]Paul Hemmings' fresh approach to the guitar trio comes to life on In & Out, his debut recording for Leading Tone Records. The New York-based guitarist leads his trio on a journey through evocative improvisations that blend emotional honesty with conversational interplay. Using ethereal interludes to weave together his original compositions with a sprinkling of standards and free improvisations, Hemmings creates a seamless musical tapestry that flows smoothly from the first notes straight through to the last.
Guest appearances by renowned tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander and percussionist Adam Issadore augment the trio of Hemmings, bass player Miles Brown, and drummer Eric Wagner. With performances at venues from the Rainbow Room to Small's, Hemmings and his trio continue to make their mark on the New York improvisational music scene.
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REVIEWS:
"Hemmings' chords, melodies, rhythms are all on the money, but what stands out are his guitar sound colors: slides, bends, harmonics, open strings... All but three of the tracks are original tunes, and Hemmings' compositions hold their own side-by-side with Hoagy Carmichael's 'Georgia'--Hemmings' version is darkly sublime--and Albert Ayler's 'Mothers.' Moodily rubato 'Interludes' act as ear and mind relaxers between the driving rhythms of the longer pieces. Eric Alexander contributes burning tenor sax on a few tracks, and bassist Miles Brown and percussionists Eric Wagner and Adam Issadore play well in support, but 'In & Out' is Hemming's personal statement: bold, beautiful, and full of promise."
-- Michael Lydon, singer-songwriter, author of
Ray Charles: Man And Music, co-founding
editor Rolling Stone Magazine.
"Talented New York instrumental jazz guitarist of the smoky club variety, with subtle grooves backing his intricate picking nodding in the direction of a more free spirited George Benson. The sweet bluesy melodies of 'Georgia,' the improvisational groove of 'Reverend Reed' and the rollicking 'Calypso Couscous' show diverse musical tastes. These are just wonderful songs, with stunning musical talent you can kick back and listen intently to."
-- Mark E
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