For SessionLab, Hortense Volle met at home, in the South West of France, the blues and soul singer Kaz Hawkins. Portrait of an extraordinary Irish artist, with a career as moving as it is singular.
“I don’t believe in the idea of turning the page. I’m a work in progress” told me Kaz Hawkins in the Limousin where this native of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, chose to settle recently. And to add: “what I found in France was peace. Here I have the space to be free”.
By listening to this SessionLab, you will understand how and why Kaz Hawkins almost paid with his life for his thirst for freedom.
What I can tell you here is that this artist (both author, composer and performer) proves that you don’t have to be born on the banks of the Mississippi to sing the blues; a tormented life is enough.
And question torments, the singer of Lipstick & Cocaine (title with millions of views) had its fill! Cruelty, pain, shame, loneliness: Kaz Hawkins has known it all, overcome it all and believes that music literally saved her.
After 20 years spent in cover bands, Kaz Hawkins decided, at the age of 37, to go solo. Twelve years and 4 studio albums later – including one in the form of a tribute to his idol, the Afro-American singer Etta James, Kaz Hawkins is about to release a best of: My life and I (Dixiefrog).
Because she lived the blues, we hear it. No doubt, the emotion is there, intense, carried by a soulful voice, gospel flights, rock guitars and ballads to cry.
So when Kaz Hawkins picks up his guitar to sing to you Because you love me, it is very difficult not to be upset. You have been warned…
SessionLab, a conversation in complete privacy and in 3D audio (spatialized sound). A musical and wandering podcast to listen to, preferably, with headphones.
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Titles broadcast
Excerpts from the album Memories Of (Kaz Hawkins – 2020) : Tell Mama ; blind girl ; Security
Excerpts from the album Live at Park Avenue feat Sam York (Kaz Hawkins – 2018): The river that sings ; Lipstick and Cocaine ; St Louis Blues ; The Border Song
Excerpts from the album Feelin’ good (Kaz Hawkins – 2017): Pray ; It Ain’t You ; Belfast Town ; Soul Superstar ; This is me ; Losers Weepers
Excerpts from the album don’t you know (Kaz Hawkins – 2017) : Lipstick and Cocaine ; Surviving ; Better days
And also : I’d Rather Go Blind by Etta James
Translation and French voice: Mélody Linhart