Bean And The Boys

Coleman Hawkins' 'Bean And The Boys' is a captivating compilation of 19 tracks, released in 1993 on the Prestige label. This album showcases Hawkins' versatility as a jazz musician, with a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, taking listeners on a journey through various styles, including jazz, bebop, cool jazz, and hard bop.

The album features a mix of tracks from different recording sessions, including the 'Walter "Foots" Thomas All-Stars' recording, which contributes the first four tracks. These songs may not be typical of the bebop genre, but they demonstrate Hawkins' ability to adapt and excel in different musical settings.

As a renowned tenor saxophonist, Coleman Hawkins has had a profound influence on the development of jazz. His unique playing style, which departed from the "mooing" and "rubbery belches" prevalent in earlier tenor saxophone solos, has been widely acclaimed. Throughout his career, Hawkins has collaborated with numerous notable musicians, including Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Max Roach.

The title track, 'Bean And The Boys', is a notable bebop composition written by Hawkins in 1948. This song, a contrafact of 'Lover Come Back to Me', has been covered by many artists, including Barry Harris, Bill Mays, and Art Blakey. The album also features other standout tracks, such as 'In The Hush Of The Night', 'Out To Lunch', and 'I Mean You', showcasing Hawkins' mastery of his craft.

With 'Bean And The Boys', Coleman Hawkins delivers a remarkable collection of songs that highlight his innovative spirit and dedication to his art. This album is a must-listen for fans of jazz and bebop, offering a unique glimpse into the career of a legendary musician.

Coleman Hawkins, affectionately known as "Hawk," was a pioneering American jazz tenor saxophonist whose innovative style left an indelible mark on the genre. Born Coleman Randolph Hawkins, he began his musical journey on the piano at age five, later switching to the cello and finally settling on the tenor saxophone at nine. Hawkins is celebrated as one of the first prominent jazz musicians on his instrument, revolutionizing the tenor saxophone's role in jazz. His virtuosic, arpeggiated approach to improvisation and rich, emotional tone influenced a generation of tenor players, including the likes of Ben Webster, Charlie Barnet, and Don Byas. Hawkins' career spanned several decades, from the swing era of the big band days to the development of bebop in the 1940s. His discography is vast and varied, featuring iconic albums like "The Hawk Swings" and "The High And Mighty Hawk," showcasing his versatility and mastery of the saxophone. Hawkins' legacy endures, making him a cornerstone of jazz history.