JOHN HAWKEN: Playing Both Sides at Strawbs 50th Anniversary Weekend with Judi Cuervo
JOHN HAWKEN: Playing Both Sides at Strawbs 50th Anniversary Weekend
No matter who’s manning Strawbs’ keyboards, when I hear the opening notes of “Winter Long,” I can’t help but think of John Hawken. Perhaps it’s because John’s work is what’s heard on the track as it appears on Hero & Heroine. Perhaps it’s because I’ve probably seen him perform the song live more than any other Strawbs keyboardist. Or perhaps it’s because those opening notes reflect the man himself: clean, elegant and refined.
As of this year, John has lived exactly one-half of his life in the U.S. and one-half in England and, thanks to his music, his friends and his family, it’s clear that he’s enjoyed life on both sides of the Pond.
Ray Coles and I spent a chilly Saturday afternoon with John in Metuchen New Jersey, first dining at a lovely Thai Restaurant and then going back to John’s comfortable home where he regaled us with extraordinary stories, photos, sketches and writings from his life and career. We talked about music, we talked about touring, we talked about people and, of course, we talked about Strawbs’ 50th Anniversary Weekend:
The Nashville Teens, Spooky Tooth, Renaissance, Illusion, Strawbs. You’ve certainly had quite the career. You even played with Chuck Berry and Carl Perkins during their first UK tour. Is there one era of your career that you’re particularly proud of? Is there one that, looking back, you regret?
There is a very special pride in being a founder member of any band so naturally The Nashville Teens, Renaissance and Illusion immediately spring to mind. Playing that first gig and listening to the music being aired for the first time on radio or TV – very special moments. However, although I was not a founder member and only one of many keyboard players, the Strawbs remain a huge source of pride – the writing is brilliant and the resultant songs beautifully crafted. Anyone would be proud to have been involved with the band. Some amazing gigs and a lot of good humor.
You retired from Strawbs in 2008. What have you been doing musically since then?
Really very little. In the early 2000s I played with the Rocket Men, a terrific 50s band of excellent musicians including upright bass and tenor sax players. After a few years the band members drifted apart and I would occasionally sit in at the local Blues jam on Thursday nights 8 miles away. Always great fun but unfortunately TOO LOUD! On mentioning to one seasoned (and skillful) guitarist that he was way too loud I got a Spinal Tap response “but I’m only on #5.” Aaaaagh….. My hearing had already begun to deteriorate and I was not prepared to risk further damage. I’ve not attended a jam in over three years. My current band–Lights Out–reunites me with Bill Hunt, guitarist/singer from the Rocket Men, and the Sullivan brothers–Kevin and Mike–on drums and bass. We’ve been together for about four years but gigs in New Jersey are very few and far between so we only play about once every six weeks or so. Sadly, our last gig is Feb 16th as Bill is moving to Florida. So after February 16th, who knows? Take up knitting? Learn how to cook? Seek enlightenment on a mountain top? Stay tuned.
Do you miss touring?
Of course. I miss many of the elements involved but, to be honest, at this point in my life it just seems like too much work. My hearing loss is also a major factor requiring that I protect what’s left by seeking more peaceful pursuits.
I understand you moved to the New Jersey from England in 1979 (and now live very close to The Strand Theater). If I recall, the recording of Deja Fou required more than a bit of technological magic as you were in the U.S. and the band was in England. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I wish I could have contributed more to that album than just the few riffs I sent to Dave Cousins (which he utilized), but I was just too preoccupied with learning or re-learning the material and buying and programming all the equipment that would be needed for touring. I did, however, come up with the name Deja Fou (quite appropriate I thought). As is usual with any Strawbs album, Deja Fou contained some absolutely beautiful songs.
You didn’t appear at Strawbs 30th anniversary celebration at Chiswick or the 40th anniversary celebration at Twickenham so everyone’s thrilled that you’ll be participating in the 50th! From what I understand, you’ll be part of both the orchestral segment and you’ll also perform with Dave Lambert’s Fire. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised since you’re a formally-trained pianist and yet, at the same time, you play tremendous rock & roll. Do you find it easy to segue from a classical delivery to rock and which do you prefer?
I started classical piano lessons at age five and continued until I was around 15 or 16 years old at which time I became aware of piano players like Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Johnny Johnson, etc. Naturally, both music forms had a huge effect on me so I tend to wander between them taking elements from both as and when appropriate. My ability to read music has sadly lapsed but, at my age, it’s not a major factor when it comes to playing and enjoying music.
