COLEMAN HAWKINS - TODAY AND NOW (HYBRID SACD)

Coleman Hawkins Today and Now On Hybrid SACD

Coleman Hawkins recorded three sessions for Impulse Records in the early to mid '60's. Of the three, Today And Now is the most compelling and the unusual choice of repertoire is what sets the album apart. The Hawk plays with an abandon that is altogether effortless throughout and his versions of the traditional song "Go Li'l Liza" and the fairly obscure Quincy Jones ballad "Quintessence" are creatively rendered. His band consisting of pianist Tommy Flanagan, bass player Major Holley and drummer Eddie Locke, back the tenor king here with a similar imaginative approach. A largely impromptu session, each song develops and evolves with each chorus, and it would serve as one of Hawkins' last great records.