Guitarists To Know: Allen Hinds
Written by: Walter Bryant
We all know the guitar is a very unique instrument. With it’s ability to convey a players unique playing nuances, it’s pretty easy to decipher between players using just our ears. With that said, it’s always refreshing to hear players that have a firm grasp over the
dynamics of their sound. One of those players in particular, is the incredible Allen Hinds. A native of Auburn, Alabama, Hinds has developed a touch on the guitar that many could only dream of. Hinds’ satisfying blend of Blues, Rock, and Jazz, is delivered with a “grassroots” style, essentially becoming a style all it’s own. He’s also got a pretty impressive slide technique, complimenting his already smooth approach. This, combined with his superb note choice certainly makes Hinds a force to be reckoned with.
Allen became acquainted with blues and R&B at a young age. It wasn’t long before he ventured into the realm of Jazz and Fusion, later attending Musician’s Institute, where he still resides as a staff member. With influences ranging from Wayne Shorter to Allan Holdsworth, Hinds has embodied qualities of them all in his playing, yet remains on a level all his own thanks to his super-soft touch and array of fusion-y flavored classic rock lines. A sensual touch and a variety of blazing legato runs he keeps 
locked away for those head-turning moments has kept listeners glued to their seats. With four album releases under his belt, there is surely enough music from him to tide you over for the time being. But like us, we’re sure you’ll be looking for more very soon! We got
our first sample of what Allen Hinds had to offer with the title-track off of his third solo-album; “Falling Up”, a Louisiana-flavored collection of fusion showcasing everything from his smooth legato, to his incredible song-writing abilities. Thankfully, Hind’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, having performed and/or recorded with acts including Randy Crawford, Gino Vannelli, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, BeBe and CeCe Winan, The Crusaders, Bobby Caldwell, James Ingram, Marilyn Scott, Eric Marienthal, Boney James, Marc Antoine, and a number of others. Hinds has also collaborated with a number of notable artists for his own works.
Allen currently teaches clinics and masterclasses worldwide, focusing on techniques including legato and slide playing, in addition to problem solving lessons geared toward young and aspiring musicians. His song-writing abilities have also led him to write music for Larry Carlton, Patti Austin, Jeff Kashiwa as well as many new cable t.v. shows.. “Duck Dynasty”, “Pawn Stars”, “Build it Bigger”, “Son’s of Gun”, and many more.
You can often catch Allen Hinds with his band and other acts in the Los Angeles area, along with a number of his personal vintage guitars. That’s right, if his playing does nothing for you (which we know it will), his guitars will certainly do the trick. You can view the collection on his website here. His albums are also available for purchase on iTunes and CDbaby! In the meantime, scroll below for a preview of Allen’s smooth, cool style!
Sources: allenhinds.com/about
