‘…one of the most striking voices of his generation, both with unique things to say and unique ways of expressing them…’ David Grundy, eartrip

‘…a thrilling improvisor…’ John Sharpe, All About Jazz

‘…one of the brightest rising young stars of British jazz and improvisation…Hawkins has technique in abundance and a brain quick enough to make creative use of it…’ John Eyles, All About Jazz

‘…he’s able to coax cottony delicacy and ferrous weight in the same instance…barbed dissonance and wrenching romanticism clear poles by which he operates…such absolute joy and strength…An incredible record, No Now Is So should put Alexander Hawkins on the map.’ Clifford Allen, Bagatellen

‘…Hawkins’ piano clearly displays free jazz influences, piling up torrents of notes in a display of technique that is breathtaking…’ John Eyles, All About Jazz‘

Hawkins seems to get better every time I see him live; every solo he took tonight was a journey, or, if you prefer, a well-told short story. They would begin as jazz explorations, or even boogie-woogie-flavoured romps, before whipping themselves up to a frenzy of clanging clusters, rolling glissandi, and fast-paced, dissonant runs, like a dancer tripping over their feet as the speed of their performance spins out of control. This was both tremendously exciting and the consequence of a logical development; jazz taken to the edge and then pushed over, because there really was no where else to go – and it was always – somehow – contained within the framework of a two or three minute showcase.’ David Grundy, Streams of Expression

‘…The opening quartet of relatively new players (playing together for the first time in this particular combination) headed by Oxford based pianist Alexander Hawkins [sic: actually an Olie Brice ensemble!], provided a suitable omen for the future of the music…’ Phil England, The Wire

[for reviews of a specific band, please visit the projects page, then click on the name of that band where applicable]