Kaz Hawkins has a voice that’s hard to ignore and with the release of her first full length album ‘Get Ready’ ignoring her will no longer be a option. Kaz has seemingly popped up from nowhere over the last few years and mere moths after having her first gig as part of the Mama Kaz band she was supporting Van Morrison. Having stepped away from Mama Kaz and towards her solo efforts as Kaz Hawkins, if this album is anything to go by she’s stepping in the right direction.
Much like her own storied history the album moves between soulful reflective numbers like ‘ I Saw A Man’ to just down right party tunes like ‘Shake’. Of the material Kaz said “I’m tired of fighting and I’m tired of writing about fighting. I want to write about the nicer side of life.Yes, it can still have a dark edge to it, but it can counterbalance.” And so the album feels reflective, yes, but ultimately hopeful. The album starts off with ‘Hallelujah Happy People’ a perfect song to set the tone of what’s to come, upbeat and positive and all round rejoiceful. There’s a vulnerability to songs like “Walkin on my own” but there’s also a positive message when all is said and done, a sense of empowerment. Through out the album Kaz’s voice is the star of the show, it’s enormously powerful and confident, it’s forceful without being forced and at times restrained when it needs to be. The production and the musicianship is to be highly commended as well, every instrument, of which there are many, sounds crystal clear and the mix has ensured that they’re not all drowning each other out. Also making sure to be at that the right levels are used to compliment Kaz’s voice. As far as a genre it’s hard to pin down but takes a walk somewhere amongst Rockabilly, Honkey Tonk, Jazz, Soul, Blues, Rock and Roll and even a touch of gospel. Basically there should be something for everyone
‘Get Ready’ is a very accomplished album for any artist but for this to be Kaz’s first solo effort speaks volumes about the talent involved, I thoroughly look forward to seeing, and more importantly hearing Kaz live in the future
You can pick up a copy of the album from Kaz Hawkins site right here.
Excellent review – bought the album on Saturday and been playing it non stop in the car – Get to see Kaz Hawkins live, if you can. Great voice, great presence and great character + a very good band of men to back her up. Class !