The Kaz Hawkins Band are back with a bang on their latest release ‘Feelin’ Good’. Kaz kicks things off in ferocious style with the opening track ‘Pray’, an all but acapella number that is one of my favourites. A gospel-drenched soul glow of a song that showcases Kaz’s powerful voice excellently. The message is powerful and the voice backs it up, it’s moving and quite possibly life affirming, you certainly feel it deep down. It also gives you a taste of what to expect from the 10 tracks on the album – a real uplifting feel but never lacking in emotion.
‘It Ain’t You’ brings the whole band in in full force as the drums start, and get layered over with the bass, then guitar and so it just keeps building, making a wall of sound before Kaz and her backing singers inch in and you realize that all the parts are in full motion! ‘Don’t Make Mama Cry’ creeps in like a teenager after a sneaky cigarette. A cautious tale that we should be listening to about keeping your mother sweet, set to a lovely swing beat that brings ideas of smokey jazz clubs and red velvet seating. ‘This Is Me’ is a big, bold ballad that could very easily become an anthem for fans and new listeners alike. Never dipping down too slow, it keeps the pace and message on point.
Things get a bit rockier on ‘Belfast Town’ a wee love song that I’m guessing is to both the man in the song and Belfast city itself as it charts the ups and downs that make up any ‘healthy’ relationship. If ‘Belfast town’ is what’s happening during the day then titular track ‘Feelin’ Good’ is what’s happening at night, as Kaz and the guitar take centre stage in this excellent cover of the classic song that Nina Simone made famous. ‘Don’t Run Away’ has a bass line funkier than week old chicken and has a crazily catchy chorus that will have you singing ‘Don’t Run Away’ over and over in your head for days! ‘Because You Love Me’ is our penultimate original track that perfectly sums up the heartbreak of failed relationships, whilst still holding onto the good times that there were. It slows things down but builds slightly as the song progresses before an almighty guitar solo. that would see Eric Clapton blush, kicks in to see the track home. Guitarist Nick McConkey plays a blinder throughout on this album! ‘Soul Superstar’ rounds off the original compositions in fine form with a message that dreams can come true, it’s a thoughtful track that toes the line of melancholy and positivity rather well. The Album finishes off with a raucous cover of ‘I Just Wanna Make Love’ that sounds like the perfect way to finish things off in a party fashion and should bring the house down when played live.
All in all The Kaz Hawkins Band have made an album to be proud of and has a little bit of something for everyone. The quality of the recording, musicianship and performance is strong throughout. The album is launched this Saturday at The Empire Belfast and you’d do well to get yourself down and hear some of these amazing tracks live and pick up a copy.
