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Reviews

Erik Hinds — Khonsay
(Solponticello SP-012, 2005, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2003-08-01

Khonsay Cover art

Hinds is a Georgia-based composer and instrumentalist, whose primary instrument is the H’arpeggione, an 18 string instrument (6 fretted and 12 sympathetic resonating strings running through the neck and under the arched bridge) a little smaller than a cello, which can be bowed or plucked, played upright or like a guitar (photos can be found at the luthier's site); on Khonsay, Hinds also plays a 7-string acoustic guitar, and is joined by members of the Georgia Guitar Quartet and his own ensemble SS Puft Quartet (electric guitar, trumpet, classical guitar, and drums). The musical explorations herein range from classically styled pieces like the opener “Coronach” and much of the four-part “Diorama Octet,” to the more free sounding jazz workouts that comprise much of the six part “Individuation Suite,” with some avant-rock like elements and Crimsoid textures. While this description may make it sound like ‘difficult’ music, truth is the material on Khonsay is actually quite pleasant and immediately accessible for the most part. Pieces are often based on rhythms and motifs constructed with massed acoustic guitars and H’arpeggione, or else delicately fabricated in a typically classical fashion; trumpet and searing electric guitar serve as the melodic lead instrument in many cases when the full ensemble is in play. Drums and percussion are used sparingly, which gives much of the disc an “unplugged” feel, and further underscores the sorties into rock and jazz based territory. Overall, this is a brilliant and evocative set, exploring many unusual ideas.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 27, 2005 releases

Related artist(s): Erik Hinds (Killick)

 

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