Grooves & Samples #18: The Mohawks – Beat Me ‘Til I’m Blue (1968)
Pianist and composer Alan Hawkshaw is no secret among crate diggers and hip hop enthusiasts. His arrangements played a major part in the early development of hip hop and were utilized by the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Marley Marl, Eric B., DJ Jazzy Jeff, and so many more. In particular, “The Champ” was sampled extensively and is still a massive b-boy anthem.
Grooves & Samples is a weekly dive into old dusty crates of jazz, funk, soul and beyond.
Pianist and composer Alan Hawkshaw is no secret among crate diggers and hip hop enthusiasts. His arrangements played a major part in the early development of hip hop and were utilized by the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Marley Marl, Eric B., DJ Jazzy Jeff, and so many more. In particular, “The Champ” was sampled extensively and is still a massive b-boy anthem.
Hawkshaw recorded and composed a great deal of music for the revered KPM Music label that is very well known for incredibly well crafted library music used for countless films and television programs. His music appeared on British television frequently in the 60s and 70s including themes for news shows as well original series.
One of my absolute favourite songs by Alan Hawkshaw is “Beat Me ‘Til I’m Blue” recorded with his band The Mohawks. This is a funk banger that features Hawkshaw lighting his Hammond organ on fire with incredibly groovy licks and a heavy drum back beat.
