Skip to main content
‘A magical balance of monumentality and the ephemeral’
Jazz pianist ALEXANDER HAWKINS explains to Chris Searle what he's attempting to achieve on his new album Iron into Wind
Egalitarian: Alexander Hawkins

INSPIRATION across generations has always been powerfully expressed in jazz and the bond between two musicians of different origins, nationalities and ages is huge between septuagenarian Cape Town drummer Louis Moholo-Moholo and Oxford-born pianist Alexander Hawkins, who’s in his late thirties.

Hawkins is pianist in Moholo-Moholo’s Five Blokes band and together they cut the marvellous Keep Your Head Straight duo album on the Ogun label on which it’s almost as if there are two percussionists drumming.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
searle review
Music Review / 15 July 2026
15 July 2026

CHRIS SEARLE urges you to listen to two new albums by the US Indian pianist VIJAY IYER

kraabel
Interview / 8 July 2026
8 July 2026

CHRIS SEARLE speaks to US saxophonist CAROLINE KRAABEL

Mujician
Books / 3 June 2026
3 June 2026

CHRIS SEARLE recommends a work of love and deep admiration for a great musician

ahmed
Jazz Album Review / 20 May 2026
20 May 2026

CHRIS SEARLE recommends a new album featuring Pat Thomas and Ahmed, and marvels at the tempestuous power of a live performance