Hawkins is on much firmer ground when his is screaming the vocals against an up-tempo musical background. The old Carl Perkins Sun Label hit “Match Box” features Hawkins frenetic vocals laid against Robbie Robertson’s guitar lines. “Suzy-Q” is almost primordial and features great sax runs by King Curtis. “Further Up The Road” is taken in a blues direction and features some more excellent guitar work by Robertson.
Arkansas Rockpile is a more consistent album. “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” is stripped down to its basics. Vocal and guitar change places until a sax run and pumping piano enter the mix. “Red Hot” features exuberant piano runs by Richard Manuel. “Arkansas” features Hawkins great vocals set against harmonica backing by the great Sonny Terry. “Who Do You Love?” becomes a wild tour de force for Hawkins vocals. No album of this type would be complete with the great song “Bo Diddley.”
Mojo Man/Arkansas Rock Pile may not be for everyone. If you are not a fan of early rock & roll and particularly rockabilly this release may not appeal to you. But if you do have those inclinations or just want to explore some of the roots of rock & roll this release will be an essential addition to your music collection.
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