Derrick Hodge Unveils “Mind of a Dreamer,” a Genre-Blurring Suite with Nu Deco Ensemble
Derrick Hodge is one of the world’s best bassists, but he’s more than that. He’s an accomplished composer, music director, arranger, and producer who blurs genres to create music that captures the essence of the moment.
That has been proven once again with the release of his work “Mind of a Dreamer,” a seven-movement suite commissioned by and performed with Miami’s Nu Deco Ensemble. The piece weaves a sonic journey for the blended group through classical, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond.
“Groove-driven, colorful, and full of feeling, this Derrick Hodge suite moves between close-up intimacy and big, orchestral scale,” Nu Deco shared on their Facebook page.
“Mind of a Dreamer” begins gently with “Opening” as the woodwinds state the theme before the ensemble joins in. Hodge then takes the forefront, arpeggiating chords in the upper register to readjust the mood. As things unfold, he’s joined by a drummer, percussionists, horns, woodwinds, strings, a keyboardist, and more as the atmosphere builds in intensity. Hodge takes the lead from time to time with incredible melodies and a rich tone that stands out in the mix.
Beyond its excellent composition, the piece demonstrates that the electric bass can fit into an orchestral setting.
“Mind of a Dreamer” is available now digitally through Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other streaming platforms. However, the entire performance is also on YouTube, so sit back and watch the incredible 15-minute performance from the Adrienne Arsht Center. (Be sure to catch the wicked line Hodge wrote for the double bassists at the 3:40 mark.)
Mind of a Dreamer Track List:
- Opening
- Clarity of Thought
- The Abstract
- Vivid Heart
- Introspect
- Acceptance
- Clarity of Thought, pt. 2 – The Return
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
