Coleman Hawkins Albums (60)
What The Critics Say
Verve's Norman Granz took his microphones and equipment to the fourth annual Newport Jazz Festival in July of 1957 and recorded extensively there, catching several live sets by both established and up-and-coming jazz artists in wonderfully clear sonic fullness, including this Friday evening kickoff set in Freebody Park from an all-star band led by the legendary tenor saxman Coleman Hawkins and including Roy Eldridge on trumpet, Pete Brown on alto sax, Ray Bryant on piano, Al McKibbon on bass, and Jo Jones on drums. It's a joyous affair driven by Jones' propulsive drumming and a couple of well-placed ballads like "Day by Day" interspersed through the set before the whole band jumps in for a rousing finale on the old chestnut "Sweet Georgia Brown," which here sounds wonderfully fresh and agile. The performance was originally released by Verve on LP in 1958 and now, some 50 years later, on CD. The sound quality is remarkable, with studio-level clarity while still capturing the energy, intimacy, and vitality of a festive live gig, complete with introductions and announcements, all of which makes this a delightful snapshot of a veteran band of musicians who are doing what they do best. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
'Coleman Hawkins/Lester Young'
Release Date 3/26/2007
Tracks 16
Label BMG
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What The Critics Say
Hawkins and Lester Young crossed paths constantly throughout their careers but only recorded together on an infrequent basis. This LP from the English Spotlite label features the two great tenors teaming up with trumpeter Buck Clayton for three songs at a jam session; everyone is in fine form. The other side of this set finds Young and Hawkins individually showcased on three numbers apiece. Lester has the benefit of the Nat King Cole Trio plus Buddy Rich on two of his songs while part of Hawkins's miniset is with the great quintet that he led with trumpeter Howard McGhee. Rare broadcasts containing classic music that was fortunately well-recorded. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Coleman Hawkins with the Red Garland Trio'
Release Date 8/21/2006
Tracks 5
Label JVC Japan
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'Accent on Tenor Sax'
Release Date 11/16/2004
Tracks 8
Label Fresh Sounds
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What The Critics Say
A mid-'50s tenor sax workout by the immortal soloist Coleman Hawkins. This was originally issued on Urania and wasn't spectacular, but did have some nicely played blues and ballads. It has been reissued on CD by Fresh Sounds. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This 1954 studio date by Coleman Hawkins finds the tenor saxophonist in great form, joined by a fine group that includes pianist Billy Taylor, bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Jo Jones, trombonist Eddie Bert, and trumpeter Emmett Berry. Hawkins' boppish take on "Cheek to Cheek" moves at a fast clip, though he never exhausts himself of ideas. The full sextet is heard on a portion of the session, including a lush but brisk take of "Lullaby of Birdland," a snappy run through "Get Happy," and the old swinger "Blue Lou." There are many strong solos by the supporting cast, but it's difficult to eclipse the sound of Hawkins' tenor when he is in top form as on this CD. Although it is hard for many collectors to afford picking up every single recommended release by Coleman Hawkins, this one should be grabbed quickly, as Prevue's life as a reissue label ended rather prematurely. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Live from the London House'
Release Date 1/5/1996
Tracks 8
Label Jasmine
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What The Critics Say
This studio session for Savoy finds the great Hawkins playing as part of a five-piece sax section. Actually the other saxophonists and part of the rhythm section were taken from the Count Basie Orchestra and outfitted with arrangements by Billy Ver Planck. They play a variety of little-known but swinging material; the logical charts and high-quality solos make this LP well worth acquiring. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
