Value for money...and great jazz, too!
Eric C. Sedensky | Madison, AL, US | 05/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While I had known about Coleman Hawkins' session with legendary producer Stanley Dance, for the longest time and for some unknown reason, I just never got around to buying this recording. Then, after being enthralled by Earl Hines Plays Duke Ellington and finding out Stanley Dance was behind those recordings, well, I just couldn't wait any longer. Am I ever glad I didn't. This single CD packs in over 78 minutes of music, and most of it is nothing short of phenomenal. Coleman's sound varies from breathy and emotional a la Sonny Rollins or Lester Young, to smooth as silk like Stan Getz, to bop-bop-boppin' like John Coltrane. Honestly, I've never heard a sax player who was so dynamic and diverse, especially not in one recording (although this seems to have been two recordings, plus some radio show or something). His takes on The Man I Love and You've Changed are stirring and surprising, and his "theme song" Bird of Prey Blues - at 11 minutes the longest track on the CD - constantly weaves in and out and around a set of themes and statements, with the backing band really deepening the melodies and harmonies. Speaking of which, Hawkins' backing bands feature big names with big sounds, too, like Buck Clayton, Hank Jones, and Mickey Sheen, among others. The liner notes are a little disjointed, but still pretty informative and assembled from a number of sources familiar with Hawkins' work. Coleman Hawkins and Stanley Dance are very impressive on this CD. Truly, this is a jazz fan's dream and would make a nice addition to any music collection.
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Track Listings (13) - Disc #1