Alden Hellmuth - Good Intentions (2024) [Hi-Res]

Good Intentions was born from conflict— both the internal conflict I experience as an artist trying to shape and define my own authentic voice, and the external conflicts which we all often face in our work, friendships, and life. This album is an exploration of dissonance in the absence of resolution and the intentions which guide us. It is a deeply personal and unapologetic reflection of who I am at this moment.

These compositions emerged while I was living abroad in 2022, a period marked by my departure from¡ convention towards a philosophy of exploration. The album captures my transformation as I discovered new compositional methods and further embraced my love for the avant-garde. As a composer I am deeply inspired by art that is evocative and experimental, and informed by my upbringing in Hartford, Connecticut, where I grew up surrounded by the musical legacy of the great Jackie McLean.

To me, the most magical moments in music are those times when the notated material and improvisations become so intertwined they are nearly indistinguishable. The music of Good Intentions was crafted with a flexibility and openness that invites the performers to create these moments of synergy. Consequently, selecting the band was pivotal in shaping the sound of this project. Each part was written specifically for these incredible musicians, and I am so profoundly grateful to them for bringing this musical vision to life.

Good Intentions is dedicated to all the wonderful friends and family who helped make this album a reality. A big thank you to Jordi Pujol at Fresh Sound Records for his support; to my band, Lucas Kadish, Yvonne Rogers, Kanoa Mendenhall, Timothy Angulo, and Josh Evans, for their incredible musicianship; to Adi Meyerson for her presence, support, and guidance throughout the entire process; to Chris McCarthy, Lex Korten, Peter Enriquez, and Eli Heath for their generous help in post; to my brother, Nathan Hellmuth, for his encouragement and assistance; to my mother and father for their endless support of my passions; and to all the friends who offered an ear, a hand, and/or a hug during this process. I love you all.

Best Intentions,

—Alden