The Quiet Soul of the Hollywood Hills
Photographing Allen Hinds, a guitarist with a career that spans decades, in his home in the Hollywood Hills was like stepping into a living museum of musical history. Surrounded by his guitars, each instrument carried with it stories of a life dedicated to the craft. His collection wasn’t just about the technical aspects of playing but about the deep connection between artist and instrument—a dialogue that transcends time and genre.
Allen, an advisor at the music university, is not only a gifted musician but also an educator. He has helped shape the careers of countless guitarists, including a close friend of mine. His passion for music is evident in his teaching, where he emphasizes not just the technical proficiency but the soul of music—the emotional expression that makes every note matter. Jazz, blues, and rock aren't just genres to him; they are the languages of a struggle that defines much of America’s cultural evolution.
Jazz, blues, and rock aren't just genres to him; they are the languages of a struggle that defines much of America’s cultural evolution.
Jazz: A Struggle and a Movement
To understand Allen’s musical philosophy is to understand the origins of jazz and the struggles that shaped it. Jazz was born out of the African American experience, a form of expression that emerged from the deep-seated pain of slavery and systemic oppression, but also from resilience and hope.
The pioneers of jazz, like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Thelonious Monk, didn’t just create music; they gave voice to a people who had been historically silenced. Their music was defiant, soulful, and deeply reflective of the human condition.
Allen, who has played alongside legends in intimate settings, including a small luxury hotel in Beverly Hills, reflects the lineage of these musicians. Jazz is a genre that allows for personal expression within a structured form, where each musician brings their own story to the collective sound. Allen’s playing, like his predecessors, holds within it the emotional depth of someone who understands that music isn’t just about the notes—it’s about life.
Navigating the Wilds of Hollywood Hills
Allen’s Hollywood Hills home is more than just a musician’s retreat—it’s a haven. These hills, so often associated with Hollywood’s glamour, have their own ecosystem of wild animals, including coyotes. Allen told me about the many people who have lost pets to these predators.
His connection to his environment mirrors his connection to music. He cares deeply for his cats, keeping them indoors, knowing that protection and preservation are essential in a world that often ignores the fragility of life.
His philosophy extends beyond music into a careful balance with nature—an awareness of the world’s dangers, but also its beauty.