Alexander Hawkins

Thanks Bev!

I hope it's not bad form to cross post like this (please do delete if so - no problem) - but I mentioned on the new releases thread that there's a new one just out from the Louis Moholo-Moholo Unit - 'For the Blue Notes'. It's the first release of Ogun's 40th anniversary year(!). [i don't think I'm breaching state secrets either to say look out for a studio album from Louis' quartet in a couple of months too...] Here's a nice early write-up at The Quietus. For those in the USA, Dusty Groove carry Ogun things.

Just thought I'd mention that there's a new live release from the Louis Moholo-Moholo Unit out on Ogun - 'For The Blue Notes' - the first release of the label's 40th anniversary year. Here's a nice early write-up at The Quietus. (I'm very proud to play on this one.) For those in the USA, Dusty Groove carry Ogun things!

p.s. I should add that 'Human' is not actually my band...I am in the group and on the album, but it's led by the fantastic Northern Irish drummer Steve Davis...but I really, really like that record...it's crazy, IMHO in a really nice way

I'm super excited about coming to Vancouver...my first time in Canada, let alone to play, so really looking forward to having a few days to hang out. Will be a lot of fun to reunite with Harris, and to play with Francois for the first time. Do say hi if you're able to make it!

It was really fun - thanks!

Just wanted to share a little of the joyful noise with everyone - here's a clip of us in Turin last week... ...it would be great to catch up with anyone in the vicinity of Copenhagen, Reading or London in the coming days!

Thanks so much everyone - it's been a great day!

The Davis/Newton/Wadud also came to mind - I've been listening a bit to that recently. One of my very favourites: Tatum/Tiny Grimes/Slam Stewart!

Yes - thanks for the reminder!

Thanks Bev - Bush Fire is wonderful, isn't it? I think that's the first appearance of 'Mark of Respect', which is a tune we play a lot nowadays - a beautiful thing by Pule. Steve - believe me, I'm like a kid in a candy store playing with Louis and John...the number of times I went to hear those guys when I was younger...so I still have to pinch myself when I get to hear them from a particularly good seat in the house (i.e. the piano bench). Those are two musicians who are completely incapable of giving anything less that 100%, which is a lesson in itself. In fact, more generally, it's incredible to be able to play in any of the John Edwards + Mark Sanders/Steve Noble/Louis rhythm sections (though 'rhythm section' of course sells them short...) - I'm very lucky in that respect.

I know it's the wrong side of the Atlantic for most members, but just in case, for friends in the UK, Italy or Denmark - or who fancy the trip... - here are some upcoming gigs with Louis Moholo-Moholo...as ever, it'd be great to see anyone along the way. And I don't think I'm speaking out of turn by saying there'll be a new Ogun (Louis Moholo-Moholo Unit, 'For The Blue Notes') available at these shows...recorded live in concert a couple of years ago in Milan. Here's a video taster of the action... Saturday 26th April: Louis Moholo-Moholo Unit - The Vortex, London Wednesday 30th April: Louis Moholo-Moholo Unit - Torino Jazz Festival Tuesday 6th May: Louis Moholo-Moholo Quartet - JAZZHOUSE, Copenhagen Friday 9th May: Louis Moholo-Moholo Quartet - Jazz at Progress, Reading Monday 12th May: Louis Moholo-Moholo Quartet - Café OTO, London Vortex tickets: http://www.vortexjazz.co.uk/event/louis-moholo-moholo-unit/ Torino info: http://www.torinojazzfestival.it/eventi/louis-moholo-moholo-special-unit-for-the-blue-notes/ Copenhagen info: http://jazzhouse.dk/jazzklub/louis-moholo-moholo-quartet-zauk Reading info: http://www.progresstheatre.co.uk/whats-on/louis-moholo-moholo-alexander-hawkins-quartet Cafe Oto info: http://www.cafeoto.co.uk/louis-moholo-may-14.shtm Unit: Henry Lowther, trumpet; Alan Tomlinson, trombone; Ntshuks Bonga,Jason Yarde, saxophones; John Edwards, bass; AH, piano; Louis Moholo-Moholo, drums Quartet: Jason Yarde, John Edwards, AH, Louis...

I just wanted to share some larger ensemble music of mine that was recorded in February for German radio, live at the WDR festival. It's a nonet, featuring Peter Evans, Byron Wallen, Percy Pursglove, Hannah Marshall, Chris Cundy, Pete McPhail, David Powell, Mark Sanders, and myself...but I think the group possibly feels a little larger than that, since there are lots of 'doublers' in there... Unfortunately, they had to cut off the first two movements of the piece to fit the programme together, but it's available to listen to here. There's also a short bit of video here for a taster... Hope it may be of some interest

On the JJM site, one of the comments began with: "I find it strange that no one else included “Rah,” the first album by Mark Murphy". WTF? Anyway, I don't get all the "strange" references. There's nothing strange going on here. As Clunky said above, "Just like the polls here, ask 100 people get a hundred answers....." It's bizarre that someone would find it "strange" that one of their personal favorites wasn't mentioned, unless it was some universally-recognized classic (and even then, it might be too subjective to voice an objection). What was more surprising to me was that two of the participants in the linked story selected JJ's "Proof Positive". That's not to say I don't think it's worthy, but what were the odds? Even in one decade, the number of choices is immense. I might have chosen a Hawes Contemporary title too, btw, but probably "I'm All Smiles" or "Here And Now" over "Green Leaves", particularly because the material was generally more "contemporary" to the 60's. Completely agree in the sense you mean it - I think what I meant was just that I found it curious that the first one which came into my mind was the Hawes...forced to bet on it, I'd have had to put the money on the first thing popping into my mind being some Ellington, probably p.s. Love those two Hawes too! Just something about the title track which gets to me about Green Leaves...

I'd lose too much sleep to play this game I think...but strangely, the first which came to mind was Hampton Hawes' 'The Green Leaves of Summer'!

Wow - I've seen so many negative reviews of this but when I see this appear in Larry's list my curiosity to hear it increases enormously. If ever a session attracted diverse opinions it is this one ! It's an AWESOME record...can't imagine anyone being equivocal about it!

One of my favourite Braxton albums, so good. I was lucky enough to be there that night...one of the single most inspirational musical experiences I've ever had! Blew my 23-year old brain...

I did a gig once with Evan and John, and can't remember whether it was Tony Marsh or Louis Moholo-Moholo on drums...anyway, what I do remember is John losing a string within 5 minutes of the first set starting. Obviously, the guy's such a master (I don't use the word lightly) that I needed to see it; I *certainly* couldn't hear it!

Wow, yes...hadn't heard about this, but I'll ask a couple of people..!

I don't know the answer to the question with any certainty, but my strong assumption is that these discographies are incorrect...I'm not aware that Ogun has ever licensed to other labels (it doesn't strike me as the Ogun way of things)...again, I could be wrong, but...

Ah, sorry about that...sure thing - will pass it on. Fwiw in future - I believe all the releases exist in a physical form; and 95% of those are CD...but yes, I'll mention it!

Thank you! It's a fun band for sure...we did a short tour just before Christmas, and it was a LOT of fun...Dom is really an amazing musician...

That's really kind, thanks Bev...it's was really nice of Babel to run that advert for sure...I hope it convinces at least a handful of people to check it out

I was lucky enough to hang out with Anthony Davis for a couple of days when he came to the London Jazz Festival with Wadada last year...a really great guy, and his playing was magnificent. In addition to those mentioned, I love albums like 'Of Blues and Dreams' (w/Jenkins, Wadud, Pheeroan - in other words, what could possibly go wrong?)...and actually, 'Lady of the Mirrors' is one of the absolutely top drawer of solo piano albums I can think of...love him as sideman too, whether with Wadada (Golden Quartet; but 'Song of Humanity' is a real favourite too), or on that Braxton quartet album with Helias/Blackwell...

On a side note - there's also that Derek Bailey/Min Tanaka collaboration, 'Music and Dance'...plus some footage here.