Genius of Jazz - Coleman Hawkins, Vol. 6 - Coleman Hawkins

Dive into the rich, soulful sounds of Coleman Hawkins' "Genius of Jazz - Coleman Hawkins, Vol. 6," a captivating collection of jazz classics reimagined with a modern touch. Released on July 28, 2018, under Vintage Records, this album spans a variety of jazz styles, from bebop and cool jazz to hard bop, showcasing Hawkins' extraordinary versatility and mastery of the tenor saxophone.

The album features 11 digitally remastered tracks, each a testament to Hawkins' enduring influence on jazz music. From the sultry "Begin the Beguine" to the melancholic "My Melancholy Baby," and the upbeat "Somebody Loves Me," Hawkins' playing is as expressive and nuanced as ever. The inclusion of original compositions like "Blues for Rene" highlights his creative genius, while his renditions of standards like "Like Someone in Love" and "How Long Has This Been Going On?" demonstrate his ability to breathe new life into familiar tunes.

Accompanied by a stellar ensemble, including Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Alvin Stoller on drums, Hawkins' performance is nothing short of electrifying. The album's 41-minute runtime is a journey through the evolution of jazz, with Hawkins' signature sound at the helm.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Coleman Hawkins or a newcomer to his music, "Genius of Jazz - Coleman Hawkins, Vol. 6" is a must-listen. It's a celebration of Hawkins' legacy and a reminder of why he remains one of the most influential figures in jazz history.

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.