Coleman Hawkins - Solitude (CD)

All Music Guide

Dove Audio compiles cuts from albums made by Coleman Hawkins mainly for the Impulse label under his own name or in support of another. Most of the tracks come from the 1960s. This release puts on display the many facets of Hawkins' special and immediately recognizable playing style. His powerful tenor and his ability to play fast, incorporating a complex rubato and his unique legato, are heard on "Out of Nowhere." This track also features some fine piano by Barry Harris. Hawkins shows off his warm sound and relaxed virtuosity, qualities he often doesn't get enough recognition for, on a lovely rendition of Hank Jones' "Angel Face." But it's the two cuts he made with Duke Ellington in August of 1962 included here that are the icing on this CD's cake. Not only is the genius of Coleman Hawkins personified on "Solitude" and "Mood Indigo," but there's the bonus of some lovely playing by Ray Nance on violin on the former, and the unmistakable alto sax of Johnny Hodges on the latter. Although ...these selections come from albums made relatively late in Hawkins' recording career, they show he has not lost any of his special way with a melody, as he ad libs on the melody on virtually every tune, which recalls his groundbreaking "Body and Soul" extemporization in 1939. He is especially masterful with this device on "The Midnight Sun Will Never Set." The Hawk lets loose on "Swinging Scotch," a cut from a 1962 set with Tommy Flanagan, Major Holley (doing his humming into the bass thing), and Eddie Locke. Although less than 40 minutes in length, this album provides a good sample of the wide spectrum of that distinctive tenor playing which was Coleman Hawkins. - Dave Nathan, All Music Guide Read more Less