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," 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.