1. BODY AND SOUL 2. LITTLE GIRL BLUE 3. I NEVER KNEW 4. DINNER FOR ONE PLEASE, JAMES 5. THE BEAN STALKS AGAIN 6. HIS VERY OWN BLUES 7. THE DAY YOU CAME ALONG 8. HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES 9. THE ESSENCE OF YOU 10. THERE LL NEVER BE ANOTHER YOU 11. I M SHOOTING HIGH 12. 39Z-25Z-39Z 13. SOUL BLUES 14. I HADN T ANYONE TILL YOU 15. GROOVIN 16. GREENSLEEVES 17. SUNDAY MORNIN 18. UNTIL THE REAL THING COMES ALONG 19. SWEETNIN 1. FOR YOU FOR ME FOREVERMORE 2. WHILE WE RE YOUNG 3. THEN I LL BE TIRED OF YOU 4. MIGHTY LAK A ROSE 5. AT DAWNING 6. TROUBLE IS A MAN 7. POOR BUTTERFLY 8. I LL GET BY 9. I LL NEVER BE THE SAME 10. WHEN DAY IS DONE 11. UNDER A BLANKET OF BLUE 12. MORE THAN YOU KNOW 13. MOONGLOW 14. JUST A GIGOLO 15. SPEAK LOW
Description:
"Four Classic Albums" on CD brings together a carefully curated selection of historically important recordings by tenor saxophone giant Coleman Hawkins, presented in one value-packed edition from respected reissue label Avid. Across these four original albums (originally released separately in the 1950s/early 1960s), listeners experience Hawkins in different studio and ensemble contexts, from swinging small-group sessions to more intimate settings, all marked by his full-bodied tone, harmonically advanced improvisations and commanding sense of melody. The collection highlights the evolution of his style in the modern jazz era, documenting how the musician who helped define the tenor saxophone in jazz remained a vital, forward-looking voice well into his later years. The remastered sound aims to present the warmth and presence of the original tapes as faithfully as possible, while the CD format offers convenient, accessible listening for both long-time collectors and newcomers to classic jazz. Packaging and track sequence are designed to respect the original albums while offering a coherent long-form listening experience.
Coleman Hawkins, often referred to as one of the foundational voices of the tenor saxophone in jazz, played a crucial role in shifting the instrument from the background of dance bands to the foreground of modern improvisation. Rising to fame in the swing era, he became widely recognized for his influential recording of "Body and Soul", in which his rich tone and harmonically daring solo helped set new standards for jazz improvisation. Over the decades, Hawkins worked with many leading figures in jazz and successfully bridged the gap between swing and bebop, earning admiration from younger modernists as well as traditionalists. His ability to adapt, innovate and remain creatively relevant made him one of the most respected soloists in jazz history, and the performances compiled on "Four Classic Albums" capture both his authority and his restless musical curiosity.
Avid is known among jazz and classic pop enthusiasts as a specialist label focused on high-quality, affordable reissues. The company often brings together several original albums on a single disc or set, making historically important recordings accessible to a wider audience without compromising on respect for the source material. With meticulous attention to discography, careful remastering and a focus on value, Avid has established a reputation as a reliable destination for collectors seeking to explore or deepen their knowledge of classic catalogues. "Four Classic Albums" reflects this philosophy by uniting key Coleman Hawkins sessions in a single, thoughtfully compiled package, ideal both as an introduction and as a compact way to expand an existing collection.
This CD is especially recommended for listeners who appreciate the depth and history of jazz and want to experience one of its true pioneers in multiple phases of his mature artistry. Whether used as focused listening or as an atmospheric soundtrack, these four albums reveal the range, power and lyricism that made Coleman Hawkins a benchmark for generations of saxophonists and a central figure in the story of modern jazz.
