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," 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.