Richmond, Virginia - October 18th, 2023. Richmond Virginia based bassist, composer and educator
Michael Hawkins has released his debut release, On Bass... on his own Michael Hawkins Music!
Michael has assembled an all-star cast of Richmond, Virginia's top jazz musician's for this stellar release. Joining Michael Hawkins are W. Weldon Hill piano, James "Saxsmo" Gates on alto and soprano saxophones, Billy Williams Jr. drums and Rex Richardson, drum!
Michael was raised in a very musical family with his mother playing piano and organ in the church when he was growing up. James Cleveland and Shirly Ceaser were constantly playing on the home record player.
Michael adds "my brother and I would spend countless hours listening to the radio, from the time we came home from school until bedtime!"
Michael continues, "my father wasn't a musician, but he listened to a lot of music and different types than my brother and I".
Michael's early musical influences were R&B groups like The Jackson 5, Earth Wind and Fire and Graham Central Station. Jermaine Jackson was the biggest influence that pretty much introduced him to the bass.
Later Michael discovered Larry Graham and Verdine White. As a teen, his local music scene started to explode. The bass players of the area started to be a main influence for him.
Soon after Go-Go bands like Chuck Brown And The Soul Searcher, Rare Essence, and Experience Unlimited dominated his listening.
It was during his college years, Michael says "my advisor introduced me to jazz and to bassists like Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, Percy Heath, Ray Brown and Oscar Pettiford. Today, my favorites are Christian McBride, Rodney Whitaker, Ruben Rogers just to name a few"!
Michael Hawkins was 25 years old when he decided that he wanted to make a living as a jazz musician. "I was a junior in college and had become so immersed in learning about music that I stopped going to classes until eventually I was under academic probation!" Michael did go on to get his master's degree in music!
After 2 years of fund raising and planning Michael was ready to go into the studio and record what is now On Bass...his 10-tune debut!
Regarding the music Michael say's "I would like listeners to feel a strong emotional connection to my music and allow each selection to take the listener through emotional ups and downs"!
As the writer and or arranger of 8 of the 10 tunes Michael Hawkins creative abilities are on full display!
March of The Oompa Loompas, is a very energetic tune and great opening track! It's the first of two that Michael didn't write or arrange. It features a searing soprano solo and thunderous drum work rounded out by the and rolling and pulsating bass!
Next up is the ever melodic, Grace, which shape shifts through many colors and textures with the alto saxophone and piano. With passionate bass soloing followed by a crisp piano solo! Great writing from the leader!
Track three is My Little Cello which opens with an in creditable piano solo and a groove that's reminiscent of that great 50's and 60's sound. Michael Hawkins delivers extremely large here! Such imaginative drumming!
Niambi is up next. Another Michael Hawkins gem in composition, arranging and his soloing! If you didn't know you might think it's an Art Blakey tune! Outstanding performances by all!
Martian Ghetto is number 5 and while it's uniquely original it sounds like it was dipped in the Wayne Shorter pot of jazz. Swings mighty hard with electric ease! Maybe these guys are Martian as we don't hear it like this much on earth!
Thankful is track 6. Oh my it's been a long time since you've heard writing like this and a bass player with this articulation and soul!
Alone Together captures the 7th position. A saxophone led ballad. Pretty, sweet and tender. Very approximately titled!
Number 8 is Conjecture. This tune typifies the wonderful unity that these musicians perform with. Exquisite piano and soprano soloing with the locked solid rhythm of drums and bass. Outstanding!
Holding down number 9 in this stellar line up is Zarina's House. By the blazing hot tempo that must have been the place where everything came together! Hot quick changes is the theme here. More fire music from the chief composer and leader Michael Hawkins!
Last in this brilliant set is E. Randolph Ave. A melody-soaked soothing super ensemble piece. Quite elegant and a fitting conclusion through the music mind and emotions of bassist, composer and educator Michael Hawkins!
The Tunes!
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