Soulful & Stunning
Paul J. Escamilla | NYC | 03/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Where do I begin with the praise for this amazing singer? Should i tell you that it brings tears to my eyes? That I get choked up at the sheer beauty, soulfulness, and unparallelled musicality of Ted Hawkins?If you love soulful singers, you need this album in your life. The comparisons with Sam Cooke are no b.s. Ted Hawkins was touched by God. There are only a small handful of singers in this category. Some of them: Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Hank Williams, and Patsy Cline.I wish to God I had seen this man sing in person.....he will heal your soul with the honey balm of his voice."
A unique voice
Paul J. Escamilla | 04/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is amazing; simply Ted Hawkins with his very rudimentary solo quitar accompaniment. I gather most cuts were recorded at a residence or in radio studios. Nonetheless, the sound quauty is good and the performances come across as heartfelt and "authentic." This music cannot be easily categorized... blues, pop, soul... who cares. The feeling is there. The enunciation of the lyrics is another real strength. Every word comes through and many will break your heart. I do not know which songs Hawkins wrote. Many of them are familiar to me, but even if they are you feel you've heard them for them first time. I bought some other Ted Hawkins albums, some with musician backup and studio recording, but this one comes closest to what is unique about this performer. A cross between Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Sam Cooke, a capella, if you can imagine that."