May 1997

Lewis Hutchinson
Space and Time
Seahorse

By Hilarie Grey

Playing twisting, notey guitar born of equal parts fusion and roots-rock, Lewis Hutchinson spins engaging, and sometimes quirky melodies. His Space and Time (Sea Horse LH 00012; 40:00) showcases many threads of influence-from dynamic, edgy cuts like "Crazy Chick," marked by knuckling drums, to playful, illustrative pieces like the joyful "Bears" and "The Law," a resonant solo burner recalling Chet Atkins. As a writer and arranger, Hutchinson also brings a strong awareness of texture and atmosphere to the march-driven, echoing "Time" and the meditative "Sea of Dry Ice," which finds the guitarist soloing in a light music box-like style over his open strum. All of these qualities make Lewis Hutchinson a talent to watch, and Space and Time an indie release worth searching for.