Dale Hawkins - LA, Memphis & Tyler, Texas

Resurrection of a forgotten classic

Best known for his landmark 1957 recording of Suzie Q on Chess (which featured James Burton on guitar, who also turns up here), this first-time reissue of the one-time rockabilly pioneer, radio DJ, TV host, producer and A&R man’s second album reveals a largely unsung swamp-rock tour de force. Originally released on Bell in 1969, it echoes late 60s Elvis, Tony Joe White and even early 70s Polydor-era Link Wray. The three title cities were the places Hawkins stopped off while en route to his forgotten magnum opus. The LA tracks feature James Burton and Ry Cooder, while the selections from Memphis come cooked up in the company of Taj Mahal, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham and the Memphis Horns. Those from Tyler come together with the assistance of Mouse & The Traps. Chief among the highlights of the album’s 30 soulfully rockin’ minutes are a memorably unhinged cover of Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town and the driving, horn-heavy powerhouse that is the closing Hawkins/Penn composition, Little Rain Cloud. It’s hard to believe an album so rich could have so spectacularly disappeared from sight when it was originally released. Time for a long overdue catch-up.

Rev-Ola | CR REV 188

Reviewed by Grahame Bent
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