Classics Records
2004
The Chronogical Classics 1950-1953
About This Album
Although he adapted better than most swing-era musicians to the bop revolution that swept through jazz in the late '40s, Coleman Hawkins was still viewed by the record labels as a swing artist, and he recorded infrequently in the early '50s. His tough, romantic tenor saxophone sound was considered by many to be dated, although most bop tenor players knew better, and his stature rebounded as the decade wore on. This collection opens with three marvelous tracks recorded at Carnegie Hall during a Jazz at the Philharmonic concert, but the balance of the set (save for the lovely "And So to Sleep Again" and the striking "If I Could Be With You") feels like Hawkins in limbo, playing what is essentially incidental mood music. His breathy tone is there, but you can't help sensing that he's just waiting for the ice to break. And it would, as his pairing with Roy Eldridge was just around the corner. Collectors will want this disc to fill out their Hawkins shelves, but it is hardly representative of the first great modern sax player. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music Guide
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13 and 14)

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