Prestige Profiles

Coleman Hawkins' Prestige Profiles is a captivating compilation that showcases the legendary jazz musician's incredible talent. Released on 1 January 2004 by Prestige, this 1 hour and 5 minute album is a masterclass in jazz, blending elements of bebop, cool jazz, and hard bop to create a unique sound.

Featuring a range of timeless classics, including 'I'm Beginning To See The Light', 'Greensleeves', and 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes', Coleman Hawkins' soulful saxophone playing takes centre stage. With tracks like 'Soul Blues' and 'In A Mellow Tone', Hawkins demonstrates his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his music, while 'I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You)' and 'Make Someone Happy' showcase his more upbeat and carefree side.

Throughout the album, Coleman Hawkins' technical skill and expressive playing are on full display, making Prestige Profiles a must-listen for fans of jazz and bebop. With its rich sound and enduring appeal, this collection is a testament to Hawkins' status as one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.

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.