Serious Reflections

Out of the blue an ol' mucker who I hadn't seen or been in contact with for years posted something very dear to me on social media. It was a photo of hand written song lyrics of mine that I had scribbled down 40 years ago. From the ensuing conversation another precious musical discovery emerged. This is the story of what happened next.

A podcast by composer James Hawken James talks about the reason behind the creation of the track 'You Got a Day'. The story includes details of addiction, its consequences and ultimately its defeat. The press release for the track follows:   Something different from composer James Hawken. James has veered off the neoclassical piano path into a bit of a celebratory vocal outburst! He says,  'This is a bit of fun! A funky, bluesy jam to the drums of Emily Dolan Davies. 'You Got a Day' celebrates the fact that you got a day! I know for some people having to live through another day may not be a great prospect, but at the moment of recording I felt joyous that I had another day, another day free of the chains of addiction and mental health struggles. If I can do it, you can too!' EAmmNJ5hiEKKeIt8px8X

Summer Piano Podcast - It's the story behind the composition of 2 piano pieces: neoclassical solo piano and an ambient reimagining of this piece. As usual, the podcast is spontaneous and unscripted. it includes all the mistakes, humourous tales, music philosophy and a live performance.

A seasoned working musician tells his story. A podcast full of tales and characters from years playing the pubs and clubs. James Hawken, known for his neoclassical piano pieces, describes the bands, gigs and experience that has brought him to this musical juncture. The podcast is full of humour detailing the trials and tribulations of gigging the music circuit in Cornwall as well as an insight into the development of the James Brothers and his work as a solo artist.

I was asked to create music for meditation. This is the background story and the reasons for choices made during the creation of this piece.

Reflection and thoughts behind the inspiration for the solo piano release 'Serious Reflections' by James Hawken. EAmmNJ5hiEKKeIt8px8X

I'm a musician who has adapted to the recent world situation. I've gone from a live performer in cover bands to writing and creating piano based solo material, mostly in a neoclassical style. In this podcast I talk about my approach to playing the piano and the reasons behind it. I describe how this is demonstrated in my new release with an explanation of the title. The podcast is a non scripted, rough, off the cuff recording, which is in keeping with my piano piece. Recorded after work, sat in my car, tired and jaded after working with challenging students all day (including jacket rustling). This an honest reflection on my creative process.