Too Cool

Coleman Hawkins' 'Too Cool' is a captivating jazz album that embodies the essence of cool jazz, bebop, and hard bop. Released on 10 June 2022 via Delta Music / Concert Archive, this 34-minute collection of live recordings showcases Hawkins' mastery of the genre.

The album features an array of timeless tracks, including 'Azure', 'Sometimes I'm Happy (Sometimes I'm Blue)', 'A Night In Tunisia', 'Stardust', 'Pennies From Heaven', and 'Wee Baby Blues'. With his soulful and intricate playing style, Coleman Hawkins brings these jazz classics to life, demonstrating his profound understanding of the music.

'Too Cool' is a must-listen for fans of jazz, offering a unique blend of Hawkins' signature sound and the spontaneity of live performance. Through his expressive and nuanced playing, Coleman Hawkins creates an intimate and immersive experience, inviting listeners to revel in the beauty and sophistication of his music.

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.