Watch Your Step

Personnel: Ted Hawkins (vocals, guitar); Phillip Walker (guitar, background vocals); David Li (saxophone); Mel Moore (trumpet); Arthur Woods (piano); Dennis Walker (bass); Johnny Tucker (drums).
Recorded at El Dorado Studio, Los Angeles, California.
Though recorded in 1971, when Ted Hawkins was 35 years old, this debut album languished for another 11 years before finally being released in 1982. Quite deservedly WATCH YOUR STEP appeared on many of the year's best-of lists. Drawing from a tradition of soulful shouters, Hawkins finds a dynamic voice of his own. He weds his singing to a simple but powerfully strummed lone acoustic guitar, making his music even more compelling.
WATCH YOUR STEP's 15 Hawkins originals are honest, direct, and at once personal and universal. Bruised but full of hope, this musician clearly sings from his heart. A full band joins Hawkins on four of the tracks. While they add some variety to the proceedings, Hawkins is even more powerful on his own. This is an essential album for anyone who's ever heard Ted Hawkins-and a perfect introduction for anyone who hasn't.