The Essential Coleman Hawkins

Coleman Hawkins' 'The Essential Coleman Hawkins' is a captivating 16-track album, released on 2 March 2018 by Legacy Recordings. This sublime collection showcases the legendary jazz musician's mastery of the genre, blending bebop, cool jazz, and hard bop to create a rich and immersive listening experience.

With a duration of 56 minutes, this album takes you on a journey through some of Coleman Hawkins' most iconic recordings, including 'Body and Soul', 'The Stampede', and 'It's the Talk of the Town'. The tracklist is a testament to Hawkins' incredible range and skill, featuring remastered versions of classic tracks such as 'Angel Face' and 'Yesterdays'.

Featuring a talented ensemble of musicians, including Eustis Moore on alto saxophone, Eugene Rogers on piano, and Coleman Hawkins himself on saxophone, this album is a must-listen for fans of jazz. With its unique blend of energetic and soulful performances, 'The Essential Coleman Hawkins' is an album that will appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers to the genre. Available to stream or download on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Qobuz, this essential collection is a celebration of Coleman Hawkins' enduring legacy in the world of jazz.

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.