AMG Review of Return

Adam Greenberg
All Music Guide

On her sixth album, pianist Pamela Hines comes back with a mix of original compositions and classic pieces. She's got a very strong piano style, with elements of Bill Evans coming through in a number of places. Her sensitivity to the song is foremost, above any overwrought soloing, though her soloing comes as a well-crafted surprise as well. The band provides excellent backing for her to work off of, holding themselves to the background when she's in the throes of a good passage but coming to the fore when called for as well. Hines' ability to move between emotive, pensive downtempo pieces and bouncing, jumping uptempo pieces is worth hearing for those who have already become fans of Hines and newcomers looking for a classic touch on the keys alike. Return might not be the most descriptive title, only in that it implies she's been gone. This album posts notice otherwise.