John Hines & Donna DeVine are modern jazz musicians with an unusual combination of melodic jazz trombone and uniquely contemporary jazz vocals. The breadth of their work represents a liberation from the stereotypical jazz norm: while they are comfortably bringing jazz classic standards to a new generation, they are also embracing quality music of more recent years, including arrangements of some of the most contemporary hits.
John came out of the successful, state championship student jazz program at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. After studying under Ray Smith (Brigham Young University) in Provo, Utah, he played with the internationally known big band, Synthesis, including opening for Gerry Mulligan's big band at the 1988 Montreux Jazz Festival, and for Carlos Santana at the 1988 Antibes Jazz Festival outside Monte Carlo, France. After building a successful career in advertising and technology marketing, he picked up his playing pace when he moved to Denver in 1993.
He was an active supporter of the Colorado Jazz Workshop for several years, primarily under the tutelage of trumpet virtuoso Hugh Ragin, and is involved with several efforts to bring more jazz to Denver.
In 2004, John was signed to the Capri Records label, and released his first major CD, 'In The Pocket,' which was met with significant critical acclaim. The title song, an original by Hines, was a finalist in the 2005 International Songwriter Competition in the Jazz category. John was also a featured ensemble player and soloist on the 2005 CD release, 'Pag's Groove,' by composer/arranger/ pianist Michael Pagan (also under the Capri Records label).
In November, 2005, John was selected to perform with the KUVO 20th Anniversary All-Star band, with Hugh Ragin, Paul Romaine, Phil Urso, Kenny Walker, Eric Gunnison, and others, which opened for visiting artist Marian McPartland.
His playing has been described as being a mix of Curtis Fuller and Steve Turre, but with an almost “vocal quality” that makes him easy to access and internalize. And his compositions and arrangements are all solidly rooted in jazz melodies which feel good to the listener. Think of him as the “Chuck Mangione of the modern jazz trombone.”
According to Ann Braithwaite:
“Hines' trombone voice is striking in its tonal clarity, and he never succumbs to mawkishness. Hines has an attractive musical personality that's shaped by familiarity with his instrument in the jazz past and present. His articulate lines suggest those of Curtis Fuller, in their pleasing melodic disposition. Hines's musical ideas draw on swing and bebop but also on jazz from present times; contemporary trombonists Steve Turre and Robin Eubanks would join older players Slide Hampton and Bob Brookmeyer in approving of what results from his creative thought. The colors and accents Hines tucks into the flow of each of [his] tracks keep the flow of the music constantly riveting to the ears. Glad to say, first-rate musicianship goes hand in hand with the carefully managed emotion at the core of his playing.”
John can be heard regularly throughout Denver, Tucson, and now Orlando/Daytona Beach, FL, with multiple big bands, as well as his and Donna’s own sextet, Hines-DeVine Jazz, which is a strong, accessible ensemble consisting of Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Bass & Drums, and featuring the talented and beautiful Donna DeVine on vocals. This group has gained a following by playing a wide range of both original and familiar music which is ever-changing and always surprising.
This is the only group actively playing trombone-vocal jazz duet arrangements, providing an intriguing combination which connects with listeners both young and old, and introduces them to a whole new way of looking at jazz music.
Donna DeVine
Donna DeVine is one of the strongest vocal jazz artists today, but she didn’t just start there. She started receiving recognition as a powerful vocalist in the Purduettes Show Choir; auditioned for in strict competition at Purdue University. She was selected as one of the three leads in the Purduettes’ jazz touring trio, singing to 50,000+-sized crowds and doing alumni tours all over the state of Florida and extensively in Indiana. She was awarded the coveted title of Purduette of the Year in 1991.
In 1996, after relocating to Denver she took a step to tackle another musical style by becoming the lead singer in a crossover country-rock band called Prairie’s Edge, honing her modern country/rock music singing skills all around the Colorado region.
In 1998 Donna became the lead singer in a Rock band which she co-founded called Flash Point, where she grew to love and know the power of performing classic contemporary rock and pop songs with a strong rock guitar and percussion ensemble in and around Denver.
In 2004, after meeting John Hines, she returned to her jazz roots by becoming his lead singer. Her ability to absolutely mesmerize a crowd was instantly recognized, and only grew over time. Because of her diverse vocal experience over the years she has brought an ability to sing not only the timeless jazz standards, but also contemporary, popular songs ranging from Janis Joplin and Tina Turner to Norah Jones, Queen Latifah, Diane Reeves, Sting, John Lennon, and even Lady Gaga. The versatility that she brings vocally to the group brings ‘a little something” for everyone to enjoy. The trombone-vocal duet arrangements of these songs bring a fresh new twist to melodies which instantly connect in a whole new way.
She can croon with the best on the jazz ballads that can bring goose bumps, and in addition you can hear Donna’s strong, , clear vocals on “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and ‘You & I.’ In an era where true vocal talent is often overshadowed by quirky, warbly pop singers, Donna’s pitch-perfect, expressive tonality and remarkable stylistic range will be a welcome, refreshing addition to any jazz library.
