ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2017, Volume 40 | Page 57

statement…both musically and personally with her fashion. You could say that there’s been a “shtick” to Kaz, as
she has been known for her own sense of style that could be described as “rockabilly meets retro”. You sure
couldn’t miss her on Beale Street – not that you’d want to.
I was curious about her latest offering, her CD “Don’t You Know,” as I had heard it would be a more “stripped-
down” Kaz…raw and emotional in its content, as it tells her riveting and inspirational life story. “Don’t You Know”
presents its complex content and envelopes it with a more simplistic musical accompaniment, laying Kaz’s life
in a heap, naked at your feet. Knowing that there’s not much understated about Kaz, I wondered how this would
translate. I’m here to tell you that when songs are relatable and find a commonality with the listener, they hit
their mark in the heart – no fancy trappings are required. “Don’t You Know” features a winning combination of
Kaz and piano powerhouse Sam York (who accompanies on both keys and guitar). For Kaz, this is PERSONAL --
and as it mirrors her life, she is additionally joined by her own daughter Amy, who debuts on this CD, and those
are Kaz’s grandson’s shining eyes beckoning from the album cover. This is Kaz doing what she does best…she
takes a deep breath, opens her mouth…and exhales her soul. The track list is as follows:
1. Nendrum 2.11
2. Don’t Slip Away 2.35
*Avril Interlude 1.08
3. Because You Love Me 4.22
4. Don’t You Know (Spoken Word) 2.01
5. Surviving 4.11
6. Better Days 3.09
7. Alabama Love 2.18
8. The River That Sings 3.00
9. Lipstick & Cocaine 4.10
10. Hallelujah Happy People 3.14
11. Don’t You Know 3.41
*Amy Interlude 0.53
12. My Daughter My Reflection 3.34
*Amy’s End 0.13
The songs run the gamut…there are proud proclamations of triumph, there are those that delve in the depths
of despair. And of course, because it’s Kaz, there is pure joy bursting forward with all the the loveliness of a lilt.
“Don’t You Know” pretty much covers all of the emotions that the human body can eke out…thus, there’s
something for everyone.
I listened to the album in its entirety as I went through my work day – which included the pursuit of both world
peace (I’m a former beauty queen) and world domination (yeah, I’m a musician too). I found myself stopping
dead in my tracks (as did the world) as I replayed certain sections of songs and sat a minute immersed in their
profoundness. It’s THAT good. I could write platitudes and a clever synopsis of each and every song – but I would
fall short. This ain’t no fluff – it is heavy stuff and it’s IMPORTANT…must-hear listening, y’all!
So get yourself “Don’t You Know” and brew a cup o’ tea. Then sit back and laugh, cry, wonder, wail, smile, cheer,
snicker, and moan…all in one sitting. People will wonder what you are up to. ;)
Get it on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZWGFBB Discover Kaz at: www.kazhawkins.com