Ted Hawkins Albums (8)
What The Critics Say
The title's new, but the music isn't. This is, in fact, a simple repackaging of two earlier Hawkins albums, the live The Unstoppable Ted Hawkins and the studio Nowhere to Run (aka I Love You Too) -- especially baffling since both are in print. There are no bonus tracks, in fact nothing fresh at all -- none of which stops this from being great music, since Hawkins was a lively and vital performer. His guitar technique might have been basic but it was effective, and his soulful voice could melt the iciest heart, as the live album shows only too well. But most Hawkins-philes will already have both discs. And for those just discovering his music, there are better places to begin. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
First of all, these aren't exactly undiscovered Hawkins recordings. This album was first released in a very limited edition in 1989, under the title I Love You Too. Reputedly Hawkins' personal favorite among his work, it's a playful disc indeed. There are touches of reggae, notably on "Who Do You Love" and "Dollar Tree," while "Baby" harks back in time -- it's the first song Hawkins ever penned. Perhaps the most unusual cut (and certainly unlike anything else he recorded) is "Nursery Rhymes," which is exactly that, including a heartbreaking setting of "London Bridge Is Falling Down." With able support by Messer, Hawkins sounds relaxed, and never overwhelmed. The subject matter is typical -- jail, love, and fickle fate -- but none the worse for that; Hawkins was an able chronicler of life and the heart. His own guitar work might be rudimentary, but that doesn't mean it's ineffective -- he gets the instrument to do what he needs, which is offer a backdrop to his gorgeous, soulful voice, with its innate, inviting voice. This is a welcome addition to the Ted Hawkins canon. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Ted Hawkins' story is one of the most interesting -- and tragic -- in the history of R&B. Who'd have thought that a fifty-something street singer who performed 1960s-type soul in Venice Beach, CA, would have signed with Geffen's DGC label after decades of obscurity? That's exactly what happened, but tragically, a 58-year-old Hawkins died from a diabetes-related stroke just when things were really looking up for him. Recorded live at three 1994 concerts and released in 1998, The Final Tour shows how great Hawkins was sounding during the last months of his life. Nothing slick or elaborate happens on this album -- it's just the charismatic Hawkins and his acoustic guitar, drawing on Sam Cooke's influence but always sounding like his own man. Those familiar with Hawkins' Rounder output will be familiar with heartfelt originals like "Bad Dog," "Bring It on Home Daddy," and "Revenge of Scorpio," all of which demonstrate that he was as superb a composer as he was a singer. Hawkins is equally captivating on interpretations of Brook Benton's "I Got What I Wanted" and "All I Have to Offer You Is Me," a hit for country great Charley Pride that easily lends itself to Hawkins' brand of acoustic R&B. Soul lovers who haven't experienced the joys of Hawkins' music should make a point of obtaining this magnificent album. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Songs From Venice Beach'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 14
Label Evidence
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Blending every form of roots music imaginable into his own singular soulful stew, the incomparable Ted Hawkins stuck mostly to R&B covers on this splendid 1985 solo outing -- songs by Sam Cooke (his idol), Jerry Butler, Bobby Bland, the Temptations, and Garnet Mimms receive gorgeous readings by the acoustic guitarist. But even though he only contributed one original, the touching "Ladder of Success," to the set, Hawkins wasn't content to remain in one genre -- his commanding revival of Webb Pierce's hillbilly weeper "There Stands the Glass" ranks with the disc's very best moments (of which there are many). ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Hawkins' first album for DGC Records is a beautiful, understated record that easily ranks with his finest works. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Guitarist/vocalist Ted Hawkins' second Rounder record enhanced his reputation. Happy Hour features Hawkins' memorable compositions, plus a wonderful version of Curtis Mayfield's "Gypsy Woman." Hawkins' vocals were even more gritty and striking, as was his acoustic guitar backing and chording. He teamed with his wife Elizabeth on "Don't Make Me Explain It," "My Last Goodbye," and "California Song," and with guitarist Night Train Clemons on "Gypsy Woman" and "You Pushed My Head Away." Hawkins blended soul and urban blues stylings with country and rural blues inflections and rhythms, making another first-rate release. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Guitarist/vocalist Ted Hawkins was an instant sensation when this session was originally released in 1982. At a time when slick, heavily produced urban contemporary material was establishing its domination on the R&B scene, Hawkins' hard-edged, rough, cutting voice, plus his crisp acoustic guitar accompaniment and country-blues roots, seemed both dated and extremely fresh. This 15-track CD includes four numbers with Hawkins backed by Phillip Walker and his band, and others ranging from the humorous "Who Got My Natural Comb?" to the poignant "If You Love Me" and two versions of the title track. He also teamed with his wife Elizabeth on "Don't Lose Your Cool" and "I Gave It All I Had" for moving duets. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
