FunkFreak75
An album of jazz-tinged, classical music-inspired easy listening songs on which Dutch flutist Chris Hinze enlists the support of a skeleton crew of jazz-oriented musicians--two of which hail from the United States--to mete out his slightly experimental, totally-personal vision. It seems obvious to me that Chris had substantial financial backing because A) he produces a quick array of self-led albums here in his Dutch home in his 30s, gathering around him up-and-coming artists who were probably paid well for their assistance in supporting and legitimatizing Chris's personal crusade to bring the flute and classical music themes and styles to a broader, more radio-friendly number of consumer/listeners and then helps B) produce (financially back) projects by those who had helped him (Wim Stolwijk, John & Gerry, Sigi Schwab, Jasper van't Hof, Toto Blanke, Joachim Kühn, Philip Catherine, and more)--even giving them studio time in his own private studio, Keytone Studios, for his own private record production company (Keytone).
This is all very pleasant, very pretty music--much of which has been gleaned from masterpieces of classical music world as well as some contemporary modern day pop and cinematic composers (like Burt Bacharach) as well as some international/"world music" melodies and themes. I am especially impressed with the versatility and perfect fitting touch of keyboard artist Wim Stolwijk as well as with the double bass support play of American expat John Lee. I'm a little put off by Chris's claim of full compositional credit for the entirety of the album when there are so many themes so blatantly borrowed or at least modified for his own "compositions." At least there could be some liner notes crediting the songs and artists who inspired each of his own "compositions." I do, however, LOVE and respect his musical appreciation for and adventurous spirit for trying to learn and work with musicians from many ethnic musical traditions over the course of his long career--including those of Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent--even moving into fully-improvisational music performances over the last 30 years--his seventh, eighth, and ninth decades on the planet!!!
