Coleman Hawkins: Verve Ultimate Cool

Coleman Hawkins: Verve Ultimate Cool is a sublime collection of jazz masterpieces, showcasing the incredible talent of the legendary Coleman Hawkins. Released on 1 January 2013 by Decca (UMO), this album is a treasure trove of cool jazz, bebop, and hard bop classics that will captivate and delight fans of the genre.

With a duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album takes you on a journey through some of Hawkins' most iconic recordings, including the timeless 'Body And Soul', the melancholic 'It Never Entered My Mind', and the sultry 'La Rosita'. The live recording of 'Day By Day' at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival is a particular highlight, demonstrating Hawkins' incredible skill and charisma as a performer.

Throughout the album, Hawkins' soulful saxophone playing is complemented by a range of beautiful standards, including 'Mood Indigo', 'In A Mellow Tone', and 'Laura'. The Brazilian-tinged 'Desafinado' adds a touch of exoticism to the proceedings, while 'Night Hawk' and 'While We're Young' showcase Hawkins' ability to craft memorable, hard-bop infused melodies.

With its perfect blend of cool jazz sophistication and bebop intensity, Coleman Hawkins: Verve Ultimate Cool is an essential listen for anyone who loves jazz. So sit back, relax, and let the smooth sounds of Coleman Hawkins transport you to a bygone era of musical elegance and refinement.

Coleman Hawkins, affectionately known as "Hawk" or "Bean," was a titan of the tenor saxophone in the world of jazz. Born in 1904, Hawkins was one of the first musicians to elevate the tenor saxophone to a prominent position in jazz, transforming it from a novelty into a cornerstone of the genre. His virtuosic and emotionally rich playing style, characterized by its vibrato and arpeggiated improvisations, influenced a vast array of musicians, from his contemporaries like Chu Berry and Ben Webster to later legends such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins.

Hawkins' career spanned several decades and multiple jazz styles, from the big band era of swing to the pioneering days of bebop. His innovative approach to improvisation and his deep musical knowledge made him a consistently modern and influential figure. Whether you're diving into his early recordings or exploring his later works, Coleman Hawkins' music offers a journey through the evolution of jazz, showcasing his enduring mastery and creativity.