Reviews
CHRISTOPHER BURKHARDT: MUSIC PROMOTER
Ellington Hawk breezes into a smoke-filled speakeasy, pulls out his sax and shows the world what a Hard Man can do with a stellar cast of like-minded musicians.
His gravelly voice is complemented by back-up singer Abby Girl’s soulful vocals, piano riffs by Gerry Borge, and a rhythm section provided by Lakshmi Ramirez and Joe Perez. while the band creates a steady drive that captures your attention as it builds from start to finish.
Obie Hughes’ lyrics are about as cryptic as a Raymond Chandler novel, with his gritty saxophone wailing like a banshee: “Blood dripping from my worn out hands - Bad thoughts rippin’ thru the cold hard sand.”
Hawk capitalizes on his lengthy resume of creating sultry, compelling R&B experiences, transporting you to a point somewhere between Chicago and New Orleans with this new release titled Hard Man.
—Christopher Burkhardt: Music Promoter and Director Stellar Shows
KAREN MAMONT: MUSIC PROMOTOR
On Ellington Hawk aka Obie Hughes:
Ever since I walked into a big fashion industry event decades ago and saw Obie Hughes perform with his band “Rumble King”, I became a fan. The event headliner was legendary blues artist B.B. King but Rumble King opened the show during the cocktail hour. Obie’s jump’n baritone sax rocked the house of sophisticated , professional hipsters and trend setters from all over the world. I was hooked and have been a big fan ever sense.
Soon The Rockabilly, Jump Blues, Jazz Swing scene took hold of him as well. Rumble King was a premiere band along with Royal Crown Revue in the resurgence of the Jazz Swing and Roots Rhythm and blues genre! They brought on the scene! When possible I jumped at the opportunity to book not only Rumble King but any project where Obie Hughes was involved! That’s a guaranteed tasty evening of Rock’n, Swing’n Jazz Blues !
When I first was introduced to Abby Girl and the Real Deal I was mesmerized by her talent and voice. But when this exquisite woman brought in Obie Hughes to her project it added tenfold the excitement & talent. She only works with the most respected!
And this latest project of Obie’s “Ellington Hawk” includes musicians-of-musicians iconic in the roots music scene. I was thrilled to hear about it and frankly I got ants in my pants…
As far as Ellington Hawk’s latest single “Hard Man” goes … It is wonderful!
—The Reverend Martini aka Karen Mamont
Promotor & Director Primer/ Ventura Nationals ,Viva Las Vegas, Reverend Martini presents Music shows.
