“Rich Hinman makes pedal steel music without the twang on ‘Memorial’” -Noah Schaffer / WBUR.org

The new album Memorial from Rich Hinman came together in a way unlike anything the pedal steel guitarist has ever worked on. Frequently featured on other artists’ records (including work with k.d. lang, Sara Bareilles, Maren Morris, and Emily King), Hinman has developed a knack for taking a track and enhancing what’s already there. “It’s about bringing out more color, and presenting songs in the best possible light,” Hinman says.

Making Memorial, however, was an entirely different experience. “This music was created with minimal forethought,” says Hinman, “without the confining structures of a band, or any preconceived notion of what a ‘song’ is.” Hinman’s abilities as an instrumentalist became secondary to the mission of making something new and beautiful.

"The fascinating thing about instrumental music is that the emotional content is below the verbal water line," says Hinman. "It connects in a way that is by definition indescribable, even to the person making the music. The title of this record - 'Memorial' - suggests that to me; it's not a memorial for anyone or anything, but it feels the way a memorial feels to me, both mourning and celebrating at the same time."

Memorial features collaborations with Grammy-nominated drummer Mark Guiliana, bassist David Piltch, keyboardist Benny Bock, saxophonist Daniel Rotem, and the Section Quartet string quartet. "The Raising of a Large Barn” was arranged by fellow Colorfield artist, Brad Allen Williams.

TRACKS: 1. Slow Drip/ 2. Pool / 3. Sand Storm / 4. Sky Lounge / 5. Buddy / 6. Dolphins / 7. The Raising of a Large Barn / 8. Boulevard / 9. Memorial

From Rich / @richhinman:

My record “Memorial” is out today on @colorfieldrecords. I made it over multiple trips to LA with Pete Min at @lucysmeatmarket. A lot of it is me, but it also features some of my favorite musicians - @markguiliana, @davidpiltch, @bennybock, @danielrotm, @thesectionquartet and @bradallenwilliams. Art is by @brianmanley, cover photo by @jennamoynihan. It’s different than anything I’ve ever done and I’m very proud of it. Available on Bandcamp - including vinyl, which you can preorder and will be there in a couple months - and streaming services. Thanks for listening! ❤️