Steve Hindalong
Skinny
Reviewed by Brian Vincent McGovern
As proven by Ted Kirkpatrick and Jesse Sprinkle, among many talented others, drummers aren't just mindless lumps of muscle who sit behind a kit, quieting down when the "real musicians" tell them to. Steve Hindalong is a prime example of a take-charge drummer. After years of Choir membership, in which he co-wrote scores of songs with Derri Daugherty, and sang his share of vocals, he steps out to do a solo project. The man has also been extremely busy in recent years producing albums all over Nashville. In his first venture into solo land, Hindalong displays a maturity found only in veterans, and veterans are also who he got to play with him on this record. Matt Slocum lends cello at times, Gene Eugene, Mike Knott, Jenny Gullen (hoi Polloi) add a little voice, Jason Martin (SF59) contributes some guitar, and Wayne Everett (Prayer Chain, SF59) takes care of various vocals, guitars and, of course, percussions. And it sounds as if the Phil Keaggy-ish "Diggin' Your Style" is written for Everett. While some may tire of Hindalong's "contemplative simple man" voice, others may find it continually refreshing and just plain candid, so as to match the, yes, speculative lyrics.