Alexander Hawkins

Cheers Karl...yes, a tough one I guess, but at least a small consolation in the joy of watching the videos..! Hope all well with you - speak soon.

Thanks, Clifford!

So glad you got to hear that band live...And I'd forgotten that QEH gig (2014, a quick search suggests) - but yes! I think I probably only took the reins for a piece or two - my memory is that they wanted some arrangements of tunes actually by Louis, of which there aren't so many, and he asked me if I could arrange them for the band... Ha! I wonder if Louis and John ever played together? It seems likely they must have done at some stage... Thanks so much for listening!

Here's a piece I was invited to contribute the UK Jazz News website in case anyone is interested: https://ukjazznews.com/10-tracks-i-cant-do-without-louis-moholo-moholo-a-tribute/

Oh yes, the coins!!! There were some quite surreal conversations with drum techs around the world when he explained that he would be aiming for the queen! A 2 pence piece secured by gaffer tape was his weapon of choice to get that patented sizzle... This is obviously a tough one to find the words for...I wouldn't want to say too little and sound vacuous, but then - if I were to get started: well, there are stories and memories for days. All I can really say is that it was one of the most unbelievable privileges to listen to him for more than a decade from one of the best seats in the house. If anyone is curious to hear the latter-day Louis, this is from the last tour we did. You can see at this point that he's even struggling to walk, but the fire and commitment is as relentless as it ever was. Hymns, music from the Blue Notes, the Brotherhood, the joyful noise writ large:

If anyone is curious, my newest one - Song Unconditional - is out today from Intakt...it's solo piano. Sonically pretty incredible too - I only say this just because I can't take any credit at all - but recorded by Stefano Amerio on his pretty remarkable Fazioli. Plus it was a privilege to have Adam Shatz agree to write the liner notes. Anyway - please do check it out if curious!

It'll be Karl, myself, Lisa Mezzacappa, and Jordan Glenn. Would be great to say hello!

Can't wait for these, Karl! See you soon.

My newest one is out today from Intakt...it's 'Musho', a long-standing collaboration with Sofia Jernberg (although it's our first release!). Please do check it out! https://alexanderhawkinsintakt.bandcamp.com/album/musho ...a series of takes on a variety of songs from Ethiopia, Sweden, Armenia and the UK...

I'm afraid I can't get to town, but the event continues that evening at the Vortex - easy walking distance from OTO, for anyone unfamiliar with the area but tempted.

Oh yes, that's a really interesting record...the sessions were a really fun process. (FWIW I also play on 'Eyes In The Tower', the Con & Kwake release on Native Rebel...a hip hop record with some very interesting production!). Thanks for listening!

Up to Episode 37 - ranges from Ingrid Laubrock to Cow Cow Davenport...https://www.mixcloud.com/AlexanderHawkinsMusic/break-a-vase-episode-37/

...and Episode 34:

Episode 33 now available: Music from Eve Risser, Stanley Cowell, Rameau, Scriabin, Cachao, and more...

Thanks so much - I really hope you enjoy it! I'm not sure - although I believe I have some copies on the way, so can gladly hook you up when they arrive!

Just wanted to leave this link here...my most recent release - a duo with the amazing Nicole Mitchell. It's called 'At Earth School', and is out now on Astral Spirits. Hopefully it might be of interest to at least a few! Nicole Mitchell/Alexander Hawkins - At Earth School

I had the pleasure of writing the liner notes for Angelika's new one, which I think is stunning!

Just a quick one - but there is this one of Tim and Gregg together on Intakt. I also caught them in Germany (in trio with Hank Roberts) sometime last year when we intersected on tour, and it was absolutely stunning.

Episode 30:

A few more episodes available since my last post...here is number 29, out this morning! https://www.mixcloud.com/AlexanderHawkinsMusic/break-a-vase-episode-29/

...and Episode 25: https://www.mixcloud.com/AlexanderHawkinsMusic/break-a-vase-episode-25/

...and the latest. All classical pianists this week! https://www.mixcloud.com/AlexanderHawkinsMusic/break-a-vase-episode-24/

Latest one here:

Steve - it was really great to meet you - thanks so much for coming along!

Thanks for listening, Mark!