David Hines - 1994 "Nebula"

Instrumental Jazz Fusion CD featuring Allan Holdsworth and Steve Kirby guitars, Steve Hunt keyboards, Steve Michaud drums, David Hines 4,5,6 string and fretless basses and composer.

Jazz Now Magazine July 2005 edition
David Hines, 5-string fretless, 4 & 6 string basses; Steve Hunt, keyboards and piano; Steve Kirby, electric & classical guitars; Steve Michaud, drums; Allan Holdsworth, guitar, guest soloist Virginia Beach-based fusion bassist David Hines has brought together a fine group of musicians in the making of his first solo CD, Nebula, namely Steve Hunt on keys, Steve Kirby on guitar, and Steve Michaud on drums. In addition, legendary guitarist Allan Holdsworth, a former bandmate of Steve Hunt, appears as a guest soloist on 2 of the tracks. The CD contains 8 original Hines compositions, inspired by the music of Weather Report, Return to Forever and Miles DavisÌ Bitches Brew. This is a fine debut for Hines, a solid fusion effort with great writing and musicianship throughout, and should be enjoyed by fans of the aforementioned bands.
by Linda Goshay

Jazz Times Aug. 2005 Review of Nebula
"Way back in the dark ages of the late '60s and early '70s, jazz-rock offered listeners the promise of an exciting hybrid that would combine the improvisational prowess and harmonic imagination of jazz with the energy and rhythmic might of rock. That dream has been largely unrealized in subsequent decades, but David Hines and a corps of of musical renegades and genre-benders recall those days with their playing on Nebula. Whether it's Hines delivering flashy and adventurous solos on various basses ranging from a five-string fretless to four- and six string instruments, or special guest Allan Holdsworth adding his own agile licks on "Skippy" and "Antillia", this is classic fare being updated. Other key elements are Steve Hunt's fierce keyboard and piano licks and Steve Kirby's contributions on electric and acoustic guitar. These songs don't just amble along, nor are they dominated by vocalists or diluted by string sections. They are strong musical evidence that there are still some players interested in expanding the concepts pioneered by Miles Davis' electric units and Charles Lloyd,s late '60s bands."

BASS INSIDE MAGAZINE JUNE 2005 issue #21
"With David Hines, the good old days of real fusion are back. Hines is a great player as well and he will make you once more seriously consider tangling with fretless bass. Where the original joy and fascination with intersting tunes and fine playing are evident everywhere, David Hines' Nebula is definitely for you."

"Dave's bass playing is phenomenal. "Nebula" is a truly remarkable debut CD í it showcases both his talent as a bassist, and composer. Every jazz-rock fan who yearns for that delicious fusion of creativity and virtuosity will love it. Nebula transcends imitation without compromise. 100% inspiration! Five stars on this one!*****"
-John Pritchard (jazz-rock.com) June 2005

"David Hines Nebula is an indulgence for fans of fusion. The music is jazz fusion at its best. It is no wonder he can lead this pack and command such proficient players. Itís proof positive that David Hines is in the upper echelon of bassists."
Reviewed by: Joshua Turner, April 2005 progressive world.net

"Bassist-composer makes an impressive debut with Nebula... a very auspicious debut from a talent truly deserving of wider recognition. Hines has crafted a true winner here... chockfull of things that hardcore jazz-fusion fans adore. Nebula couldn't come more recommended. A no-holds barred player's project, with harmonically challenging compositions, and virtuosic, over-the-top solos."
-Bill Milkowsky, Author, Contributor, Bassplayer Magazine, Senior Writer for abstractlogix.com 2005-06 08

"All of the compositions are brilliant..., that essential bridge between symphonic and jazz music, which will lead you to the wonderful (and highly progressive) world of classic Jazz-Fusion. this is one of the best and the most memorable works of the genre I've heard in recent years and is an undoubted candidate to take one of the highest positions in my Top-20-2005. Ultimately recommended."

Being Steve Hunt the producer for this recording it's obvious that the sound and style of the recording would be modern Jazz music. The project is very interesting and the achivements are various: The recording presents dinamic rhythm based Jazz Fusion that brings to my mind for few moments the music of Chick Corea's and his the Elektric friends, or the SECRETS album of his friend musician Allan Holdsworth, the piece "Q" reminds me a little the Larry Carlton's track "Frenchman's Flat" from his album SLEEPWALK... But really making all this a mixture of Fusion, New Edge, or even Prog in a very light and tasty way. As a matter of fact Steve Hunt could be "Rick Wakeman" of the Jazz fusionist. Great, just for the conosseur!...
The band is formed by Steve Hunt (Keyboards), Steve kirby (Guitar), Steve Michaud (Drums), and David Hines (Electric Bass). The highlights where Allan Holdsworth played the solos are "Skippy" and "Antillia".

Track Listing:

1. Skippy (5:01)
2. Q (4:58)
3. Toe Nail (5:16)
4. Nebula (6:57)
5. Lucia (8:01)
6. No Loops (5:07)
7. Neuro Man (6:29)
8. Antillia (8:13)

Total time: 50:00

Personnel:

David Hines / fretless & fretted bass
Steve Hunt / keyboards & piano
Steve Kirby / electric & classical guitars
Steve Michaud / drums
Allan Holdsworth / guitar (1, 8)