# Allen Hinds - Alabama Born, L.A. Based, Guitarist. Performed With Natalie Cole, Gino Vannelli, Randy Crawford, Boney James, Many More!

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/follow-your-dream-music-and-much-more-3624619/allen-hinds-alabama-born-l-a-based-guitarist-performed-with-natalie-cole-gino-vannelli-randy-crawford-boney-james-many-more
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/follow-your-dream-music-and-much-more-3624619/allen-hinds-alabama-born-l-a-based-guitarist-performed-with-natalie-cole-gino-vannelli-randy-crawford-boney-james-many-more.md
Podcast: [Follow Your Dream - Music And Much More!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/follow-your-dream-music-and-much-more-3624619)
Published: 2026-05-01T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://follow-your-dream.simplecast.com/episodes/allen-hinds-alabama-born-la-based-guitarist-performed-with-natalie-cole-gino-vannelli-randy-crawford-boney-james-many-more-i_OBvJS1
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Duration seconds: 2340

## Resource

Guitarist Allen Hinds shares his journey from Alabama blues roots to performing with legends like Natalie Cole and Gino Vannelli. He discusses the transition from session work to solo artistry and the importance of musical melody over technical speed.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Prioritizing melodic accessibility and song structure over technical virtuosity and high-speed playing
- Practical takeaway: Successful session work requires the ability to fit into the specific needs of a song rather than dominating it
- Failure mode: Relying solely on technical skill can lead to creative boredom and a lack of original musical identity
- Career insight: The transition from being a sideman to a solo artist often stems from a desire to express personal musical ideas
- Industry observation: The physical and logistical challenges of touring, such as poor management, can outweigh the excitement of the road

## Topics

Allen Hinds, Jazz Fusion, Blues, Music Career, Session Musicians, Guitar, Music Composition, Touring Life

## Chapters
- 1:00 — From Alabama Blues to Jazz Fusion: Allen Hinds discusses his musical origins in Alabama and his evolution through various genres.
- 2:20 — The Sideman Experience: Reflections on performing with legendary artists like Natalie Cole, Gino Vannelli, and Randy Crawford.
- 6:20 — Finding a Solo Voice: The shift from playing simple charts to developing original compositions and solo recordings.
- 8:50 — Melody vs. Virtuosity: A discussion on why musicality and fitting the song are more important than playing at lightning speeds.
- 13:50 — The Realities of Touring: Allen shares stories of life on the road, from the highs of great crowds to the lows of poor management.
- 21:50 — Songfest: Musical Showcase: A deep dive into Allen's specific compositions and the emotional inspirations behind them.
- 33:00 — The Baked Potato and Local Legends: Discussing the Los Angeles jazz scene and the joy of playing standards with a live band.

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## Transcript

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