“ Dechen Hawk- Jus Sayin’ Music absolves the mind of life’s compounding responsibilities. It’s about feeling, connection, the experience of rhythm, melody, even lyricism, carrying awareness far from everyday distractions to a simply meditative state. One of Boulder’s most recognized singer-songwriters, Dechen Hawk, allows the cogitative component of music to guide his arrangements. He’s a natural-born musician with his interest stretching back as far as he can remember. The lyrics of his songs are shared as a gift to the community, an embodiment of the Shambahla tradition so prominent in his upbringing. They are a product of complete submission, and the new EP, Jus Sayin’, is of no exception, paying homage to soulful, uplifting musicianship. “Music is a meditative practice by nature. You can’t be listening to music and not be present, or you are not listening to the music…. That’s part of what’s helped me to be diligent and follow through on my craft or be present when I am performing for the audience. Relaxed and patient.” – Dechen Hawk Years in the making, Jus Sayin’ is a collaborative set of compositions. A fusion of Elliot Hunt’s percussive, backbeat-driven production and Hawk’s patience form the seventh CD in Hawk’s discography. There’s more persuasion, more pop, more club! Definitely worth the $5.50 price tag of limitless listenability. There’s a driving danceability, a coalescence between two dynamics conjuring re-repeat. So smooth, so uplifting yet grounded. 2 & 4 & damn! Do you feel those goosebumps? I did. Jus Sayin’ resonates a find-your-lover, feel-good vibe reminiscent of the neo-soul musician James Blake and the unforgettable delivery of Stevie Wonder. D’Angelo and Maxwell, to name a few more, perpetuated the fusion of soul and R&B so apparent in Hawk’s approach to music. Give them a listen, and you’ll understand why Jus Sayin’ is lively, inspirational and mixed with a whole lot of sexy. If there’s a chance for the charts, the first track “Drug of Choice” screams, “Get your groove on!” From the head-bobbing, smile-forming, catchy lyrics, feels move through the soul. “Lost in Line” is the perfect follow-up to solidify the mood of the EP. “Tenderly”, my favorite song, is relatable and empowering. It’s for those looking for solace in getting over an old relationship. If there’s a song reminiscent of Hawk’s older work, “Beautifully Back” hits home like a beautiful love ballad. And to finish, “What You Won’t Do For Love” is a great way to leave the listener yearning for more. Jus Sayin’, the whole CD, is less than 20 minutes long. Less than your favorite sitcom yet far more riveting. Just wait ‘till you see him live. Hawk’s delivery on stage speaks volumes about his character and approach to music. His voice is soothing and gentle. Soft spoken, light vocals resonating bliss within layers of heavier, upbeat percussion. Regardless of genre, Hawk’s inflection settles like Wonder’s before bed, humble and comforting. So pour some wine. Flip the switch. And succumb to the bliss of Hawk’s voice, sensually vibrating your eardrums. As Hawk says, “Music is emotional. It’s a direct access to tapping into a variety of feelings that we have as humans.” When Jus Sayin’ just isn’t enough neo for the stay-at-home soul, remember Hawk performs all over the Front Range. Sometimes he plays as a solo artist, but usually it’s with fellow singer-songwriters. Earlier this year he started a stellar funk band also called Jus Sayin’. Even internationally admired projects like The New Mastersounds, The Kyle Hollingsworth Band and Big Gigantic have facilitated sit-ins. He’s always giggin’. Besides a strong dedication to live performances and writing fresh material, Hawk is an essential component of Boulder’s music scene as a whole. He regularly promotes new talent traveling through the area. In the past he worked with Trident Coffee Shop and Bookstore and Caffè Sole, but The Laughing Goat is his booking grounds for now. They feature the java buzz and live music or poetry every night of the week. There’s no local, acoustic or soulful musician worthy of attention that doesn’t get the opportunity to be featured at The Goat. We could all use a breath of fresh melody. A dip in the 90s neo-soul as a reminder of the surreality of a calm voice in rhythm with the funkiest, heaviest moments of existence. Hawk’s presence stands as a testament that no matter how complicated life gets, there’s always a new piece full of life, full of vigor yet, gently grounded. If you’re an enthusiast moved by the movement, it’s about time to tune in. It’s time to listen to the rhythm of your heart and discover what moves you, what feelings you need to work through, what makes your insides yearn in this moment. Because Hawk may be the purveyor of passion you’ve been searching for. Article by Scott Rowland Photography by Matt Diss ” - Scott Rowland
“ Dechen Hawk Jus’ Sayin’ With a repeated string arrangement and simple club beat, Dechen Hawk starts Jus’ Sayin’ with a sophisticated, down-tempo neo-soul air of casual elegance. Hawk, who has released more than a half-dozen solo albums prior to this, and performed in a variety of bands during his tenure in Boulder, effortlessly blends acoustic and digital instrumentation to lay the foundation for his vocal-forward performance on the album. From the early moments of “Drug of Choice” to the closing bars of “What You Won’t Do For Love,” Hawk delivers a smooth vocal polish to each of the subdued dance beats. With help from a host of local musicians, including the prolific Mirco Altenbach on saxophone, as well as the assistance of the Beijing Chamber Ensemble, who recorded their part of “Beautifully Back” in China, Hawk paints broad strokes as well as detailed refinements to the modern soul funk genre on this impassioned project.” - Brian F. Johnson
“EP Review: Dechen Hawk's Jus' Sayin's Self-Titled Debut Release June 16, 2016 By: Hannah Oreskovich Local Boulder artist Dechen Hawk may be best known for his solo work around the Front Range, where he has played for years after studying at Naropa University under Bill Douglas, Art Lande, and Janet Feder. Hawk has released six solo albums, and has been a part of numerous singer/songwriter outfits and projects throughout Colorado. He’s shared the stage with acts including Martin Sexton, Leon Russell, Big Gigantic, and Analog Sun, to name a few. Recently, however, Hawk has a new project: Jus’ Sayin’. The neo-soul, funk/jazz five-piece is comprised of a number of local heavy-hitters, with Hawk (vocals/keys), Mirco Altenbach (sax/synth), Colin Robison (guitar/vocals), Eric Imbrosciano (drums), and Ben Rubin (bass). JUS' SAYIN'. After several successful live performances, Hawk decided to head to Alcheh & Hunt in Boulder, CO to record Jus’ Sayin’s debut EP. The self titled, five-track release features the talents of a slightly different lineup than the live-performance group. Daniel Alcheh (strings/piano/EFX/synth), Eliot Hunt (drums/keys/synth/mellotron), Kip Kuepper (bass), and Robbie Nevil (guitar) all play on the EP, with Hawk (vocals/guitar/keys/synth) as the common denominator between Jus’ Sayin’s live performances and recorded work. DECHEN HAWK. Jus’ Sayin’s debut single from the new release is “Drug of Choice”, a very catchy track with sprinkled staccato beats, smooth vocals, and poppy synth sounds. It’s a perfect example of what happens when Hawks’ skillful songwriting comes together with his tenor voice, seasoned professionalism, and pop sensibilities. It’s upbeat with a great hook. “Drug of Choice” is the must-hear song of this release, and the perfect track to add to your favorite summer playlist. Listen to “Drug of Choice” for yourself here: “Lost in Line” is the next tune on Jus’ Sayin’, and showcases Hawk’s soulful influences with tasty sax bits. It’s got a great percussive intro, and is the perfect lead-in to the EP’s next track, “Tenderly”. “Tenderly” starts with funky synth sounds dripping in 90s R&B throwback nostalgia. It’s got a great groove and almost feels like a sultry, soulful lullaby. “Beautifully Back” is the ballad of the EP. It’s a bit slow, but tastefully composed by Daniel Alcheh. There’s an elegance to this one, with strings performed by the Beijing Chamber Ensemble that were actually recorded in China. James Mihaley garners lyrical credit on this tune. The EP closes with “What You Won’t Do For Love”, which begins with Hawk’s crooning vocals. This track feels a bit more stripped-down than the others, but still keeps your attention. Overall, Jus’ Sayin’ is a polished release that showcases Hawk's credibility as an accomplished musician and songwriter. JUS' SAYIN' LIVE. Jus’ Sayin’ is available for purchase digitally, but will also be available in physical form this Friday, June 17th, at The Laughing Goat, where the band will perform the EP live and celebrate Hawk’s birthday! The show starts at 8PM- be there and grab your own copy of Jus’ Sayin’. Check out the Facebook event and keep up with Jus’ Sayin on Facebook. -Hannah Follow Hannah on twitter and instagram. All photos, videos, and embedded tracks per the artists featured. Special credit to Zach Dahmen for his work on this feature. ” - Hannah Oreskovich
“Beautiful Ballads and Backbeat Funk with Dechen Hawk Once described as “Stevie Wonder and Jeff Buckley thrown in a blender,” Boulder music artist Dechen Hawk finds his inspiration from the beauty of his Colorado lifestyle. Over the past 18 years, Hawk has written hundreds of songs, released 6 albums, been in numerous bands, played the role of talent buyer for various venues. You can see this talent for yourself at two upcoming live performances this month. Originally from Austin, Texas, Hawk moved to Boulder when he was just 5 years old. “Colorado has always been my home,” he said in a CRAVE interview. “In my late teens and early 20s, I got my start as a musician performing regularly at the Pennylane coffee shop here in Boulder.” “I feel blessed and I am grateful to be able to do what I love for a living in such a beautiful place.” – Dechen Hawk Hawk describes his Colorado lifestyle as a “wonderful blend of nature and city life.” When he’s not teaching music privately, Hawk spends his days enjoying the Colorado outdoors with yoga, biking, hiking, or just hanging out by the creek with friends. “Moving my body is important to my health and peace of mind. Nature always helps to push my reset button,” he said. Most nights you can find him performing around town as a guest singer/musician or supporting other local talent from the audience. “I think Colorado has been good for me and for my career,” Hawk said. “People seem to enjoy my music. They continue to support me in my ongoing efforts, and the beauty here inspires me to keep doing what I love, to express my gratitude for this life, to create and offer beauty, fun and healing through music.” ” - Tiffini Amo
“Movement towards collaboration Dechen Hawk on the singer-songwriter’s tendencies towards solitude By David Accomazzo The creative process of a singer-songwriter can be a lonesome one. You write songs alone, rehearse alone, often perform alone. A byproduct of that solitude is total control over the final product, but when it comes time to start working with bands, the reality of having to collaborate and rely on others can seem quite different. Changes in local soul crooner Dechen Hawk’s life have led to changes in his music. In the past few years he has swapped the solo guitar act of his earlier years for a thicker, fuller soul sound backed by a multi-piece band. He credits this in part to his job booking gigs at The Laughing Goat and Caffè Sole. He started sitting in with local jazz group Supercollider when the group did its weekly gig at the Goat, and something about the new sound struck a chord within him. That led to members of Supercollider backing him for his first few shows at the Fox Theatre, and now some of its members are backing him on his forthcoming EP, Soul Sessions. “When you try to do everything yourself, unless you’re a master of all of it, something’s going to suffer,” Hawk says. The tracks on Soul Sessions are rife with horns, soulful backup vocals, delicate electric piano fills, and simple guitar parts over funk-infused drums and bass. Every part is meticulously placed and calculated for maximum effectiveness. “I’m a less-is-more type of guy,” Hawk notes. No one instrument ever dominates or plays a stray note. He’s aiming for the fullness of classic soul records achieved by the simplicity of bands backing famous soul singers, and the effect is a rich, enveloping wall of sound. Hawk will bring the full band approach he used in the studio to the Fox Aug. 25 as he opens for local group Legitimate Front, which is releasing its own CD on the same night. Backing him will be Mirco Altenbach on tenor sax, Jon Gray on trumpet, Kip Kuepper on bass, Brian McRae on drums, Erin Jo Harris and Devon Parker on backup vocals, and Jerred Menard on guitar. Given his position booking two smaller venues that host mostly local acts, Hawk has a bird’s-eye view of the Boulder music scene. He wants the scene to be healthier, but he says it’s a crapshoot to gauge local interest in shows. The reason why is a mystery. “I think it’s hit or miss,” he says. “It’s hard to say whether people will come out.” One of the problems in Boulder is that people expect live music to be free, he says, which suggests that the expectation of getting recorded music at zero cost through downloading might be bleeding over to live music. “Even though there is a lot of music here, it’s not expected to pay money [at shows] here,” Hawk says. “I put a $5 suggested donation box at the door at the Laughing Goat, just so people get used to seeing it. … It’s tricky. I don’t know exactly what the answer is.” Hawk makes his living playing as many shows as he can, booking venues and teaching private lessons (in various instruments, he says, noting he teaches musicianship more than anything. “I’m much more into the finished product than the technique,” he says). He is already looking beyond the release of Soul Sessions, when he says he will work with producer Elliot Hunt to retool some of his work into something he can sell to studios for music soundtracks and the like. He sees that as the next step forward in his music career. It’s another part of his slow progression towards collaboration, and he says he has never really worked with a producer on his music. “That was kind of part of the collaborative nature too,” he says of working with others with an open mind. “I can learn from other people.”” - DAVID ACCOMAZZO
“ He sits alone by the window of The Laughing Goat. A laptop, lunch and red wine are in front of him and conversation with another table happens to his left. We’re looking for Dechen Hawk as he’s doing all of these things, blending into the surroundings because this is essentially his office, and he’s been here all day. When he’s not booking talent here at the Laughing Goat or Caff Sole, hosting open-mic Mondays at Johnny’s Cigar Bar or haunting Pearl Street Pub sessions, he pursues music nightly through his own performances and private lessons. It sounds like a daunting and impossible life, but he’s quick to show you how to do it. One impression you get from Hawk is that generosity is not just a courtesy; it’s a business plan. “Sharing myself and what I’m excited about seems to be the type of thing that is both contagious and infectious at the same time,” he tells us with radiant eyes. Born into a Shambhala Buddhist community and raised with that outlook, his brand of soul music mirrors the values that make him an easily accessible personality: His fans are just as important as his band; life thrives beyond lines of self-preservation; the answer is never further than yourself. More than two decades of musicianship has taught him just a few of these things. His upcoming show at the Fox is not his first — he nearly sold out the venue in January — and unsurprisingly, he’s excited to promote his band as much as himself. “I’m basically done with the first leg of what I’m releasing, and I’m excited because it’s finally representing what you will see at this Fox 28th show, this full soul band, this nine-piece soul band,” Hawk says. Though he has the talent and character to portray the unfalteringly pleasant Mr. Schuester on Glee, he speaks of himself as only one component of the underground Boulder scene and ignores his role in booking much of it. Playing with Boulder friends such as Rogue Sound and Paa Kow’s By All Means Band is just as exciting to him as his name on the marquee. “You want be part of a scene you can stand behind and feel good about,” he says, “and be like ‘Yeah, this is my music, this is coming out of where I am. It’s just like Seattle blew up. There’s no reason we can’t do it; it’s just a matter of us working together.” A multi-instrumentalist who has played all the various instruments of his band since his 1994 Live @ Penny Lanerelease, Hawk morphed through various stages of Buckley-esque acoustic songwriter, jazz cat and funk trio leader to arrive as the arranger and vocalist of a surprising new soul band. He studied music at Naropa and traced the history of soul from its gospel roots up to D’Angelo. Reading the works of Howard Thurmon, the history of black authors and why the music was expressing what it did was to fit a missing puzzle piece. “I knew it was already in me, and I knew that that’s what I needed to express, and I’m also some random white kid born in Austin, Texas,” Hawk says. “So you can get the whole blue-eyed soul thing, and blah blah blah, and I’m like, well you know what, nothing worked but Stevie Wonder to put me to sleep when I was an infant. You can’t deny that that is what’s in my soul, that’s what needs to be expressed from me.” A lot of his influences come back to Stevie Wonder, a masterful pop songwriter who mastered the powerhouse hook with an uplifting message that’s “repeated like a mantra,” Hawk says, “so you can’t help but become a part of the message as well.” It’s all in the music, anyway, he tells us. Latching onto social movements from the ’60s, soul music is the quintessential means of expressing love and peace, and even when it’s modern and sexed-up, it’s still about staying together. That is the thing in the music that calls to Hawk, no matter what genre he chooses to embrace next. “I think we, as artists, pull from all these different areas not because we’re trying to be like someone else, it’s because there’s something in us that’s being called by them to come out,” he says. When you see it and get the chills, it’s calling to you as well. “It’s real, it absolutely is, and even if they don’t believe it, I just make it real because I say so!” he says with a genial laugh. “Because that’s all that it is anyways.” ” - P.J. NUTTING
“Photographer Dane Cronin caught Dechen Hawk's Soul Sessions at the Fox Theatre Friday night. Rogue Sound and By All Means also played that night. ” - DANE CRONIN
“Big Brotherhood of Love At the Fox Theater in Boulder. ~ Mary VonBreck There is something downright spiritual happening in the music scene in Boulder. John Lennon asked us to imagine so many concepts of living life in peace, as one. And the Boulder Troubadours Collective is the personification of a music community sharing such big love for each other that the Collective has become larger than the individuals in it. I’ve read the posts all week from Dechen Hawk, a musician with chops to rival Jason Mraz if he wanted to, pouring his heart out to promote this collective music community. And the show doesn’t disappoint. So many musicians with so many different styles are a treat in themselves. But the love fest doesn’t stop there. These guys actually know each other’s songs. They harmonize, lead, backup and follow each other in a seamless show that makes you wonder why more concerts don’t feature multiple artists. I think they’re onto something. The Troubs will keep bringing it. And the next time you hear that buzz flying all over Facebook or ele, grab two friends and join them. Lesley Kernochan opened with some angelic vocals that pierced the smoky vapors on stage and freed our souls right from the start. The Troubadours Collective featuring Clay Rose, Max Davies, Ramaya Soskin and a slew of other local talent held court and the evening closed out with sets from Paper Stars and SuperCollider. elephant editor Waylon Lewis said something about how their music was from the heart, to ours, and that’s why he was proud to see elephant come on as a media sponsor. It was the best of Boulder…and it will only get better.” - MARY PANTON
“ These days, the word “troubadour” has become virtually synonymous with “singer.” Yet if you take a look back to medieval days when the word emerged, you’ll see that the original meaning was much less inclusive. In order to be classified as a troubadour, one couldn’t merely sing other people’s songs; you had to write your own. Those who only performed others’ material were demoted to the ranks of “joglars,” and if you were female, even if you were a composer, you could only ever be a “trobairitz.” In keeping with the true meaning of the word, Boulder’s Troubadours Collective is keeping the art of songwriting alive, centuries after their namesakes wandered Europe singing songs of chivalry and courtly love. However, their aim is one of inclusivity and community building, rather than the elitism of their forebears. “When it comes down to it, the shows are all about bringing people together,” says Dechen Hawk, one of the original members of the Troubadours. “It brings a different twist to what it means to go out and see music. People can have pride that they’re playing a part in creating their own community, a community that they can stand behind and be stoked on and share with other people.” At its inception, the Troubadours Collective consisted of eight songwriters, including Boulder up-and-comer Gregory Alan Isakov. Since then, the collective has hosted more than 30 songwriters and performers at numerous locations around town, including their upcoming show on Jan. 7 at the Fox Theatre. Although the members are all united by their love of crafting songs, their musical styles differ markedly. Six distinct sounds from six different songwriters and their bands will play the Fox, including Hawk, Ramaya Soskin, WadiRum, Mortimer, Gasoline Lollipops and Max Davies. The eclectic mix will traverse the musical spectrum from jazz to rock, from R&B to folk, and from alt-country to soul. “This specific show is like a funnel of songwriters with a handful of different genres of musical expression thrown in,” says musician Donnie Mortimer, whose rich and earnest album Ten Eventful Years was released mid-2010. “The crude analogy is that it’s like the Mickey Mouse Club. You’ve got all these strong personalities that get their 10-second solos, but they’re all working together on the same project. It’s really enjoyable to be part of a team effort where there’s very distinct individual personas involved.” When founder Ramaya Soskin came up with the idea for the collective six years ago, he saw potential not only for the creative inspiration that happens when different styles of music collide, but also for the bene fits that strength in numbers can provide. “It made sense to pool our collective fan bases and pack the place. I knew we’d all be at each other’s shows anyway, so why not also perform and bring more people to the shows?” Soskin says. “It also seemed like it would be a fantastic platform to showcase undiscovered local talent. It can certainly be daunting as a new songwriter trying to gather support, but there are many places far less supportive than Boulder. In the 10 years I’ve been performing here I’ve seen some great acts rise to the challenge, and Boulder has held them up.” To continue being an embracing and diverse group, the Troubadours welcome newcomers to join in their frequent shows, which take place every couple of months. “It’s all about who’s excited and inspired to be a part of it,” Hawk says. “We welcome anyone who’s willing to do the work to make it successful.” The members of the collective take turns handling details like the promotion and booking of the events, making the group a bit of a musical co-op. While logistical components like increased ticket sales and easier networking definitely factor into their motivation, at the Troubadours’ core, it’s all about community. “It makes the experience richer when more people are touched by the art. You might be coming to hear a certain person play and then someone else you haven’t heard blows you away for a moment and puts you right into your body and your heart,” Mortimer says. “All the best songwriters I know in their respective genres are coming together to give a sampling of the most current sound in our region. It’s the best of the local flavor in a myriad of expression, all in one place.” On the Bill Troubadours Collective plays the Fox Theatre on Friday, Jan. 7. Doors at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for over-21, $7 for under-21. 1135 13th St., Boulder, 303-443-3399. ” - MARISA ARAGON WARE
“Like Stevie Wonder and Jeff Buckley thrown in a blender." ” - BRYAN BELLER - DETHKLOK