Jazz / Bop, Jazz Instrument, Saxophone Jazz
Recorded in New York City, 1956
Coleman Hawkins (Sax (Tenor))
Phil Bodner (Oboe), Urbie Green (Trombone), Hank Jones (Piano), Hank Jones (Celeste), Charlie Shavers (Trumpet), Hal McKusick (Sax (Alto)), Ernie Royal (Trumpet), Nick Travis (Trumpet), Al Cohn (Sax (Tenor)), Julius Baker (Flute), Billy Byers (Arranger), James Buffington (French Horn), Don Butterfield (Tuba), Max Cahn (Violin), Arnold Eidus (Violin), Barry Feldman (Reissue Producer), Burt Fisch (Viola), Barry Galbraith (Guitar), Paul Gershman (Violin), Bernie Glow (Trumpet), Ray Hall (Engineer), Harry Lookofsky (Violin), Milt Hinton (Bass), Max Hollander (Violin), Isadore Zir (Viola), Osie Johnson (Drums), Phil Kraus (Bells), Leo Kruczek (Violin), Jack Lesberg (Bass), Jack Lewis (Producer), Sam Marowitz (Sax (Alto)), Jimmy Nottingham (Trumpet), Fred Ohms (Trombone), Gene Orloff (Violin), George Ricci (Cello), Tosha Samaroff (Violin), Sol Schlinger (Sax (Baritone)), Zoot Sims (Sax (Tenor)), Chauncey Welsch (Trombone), Marty Wilson (Glockenspiel), Marty Wilson (Xylophone), Marty Wilson (Vibraphone), David L. Newman (Violin), Bernard Greenhouse (Cello), Jack Satterfield (Trombone), Sid Jekowsky (Clarinet), Sid Jekowsky (Flute), Stan Kraft (Violin), Lou Oles (Trumpet), Tommy Mitchell (Trombone), John S. Wilson (Liner Notes), Paul J. Hoeffler (Photography), Ben Young (Reissue Producer), Cy Miroff (Violin), Dave Sarser (Violin), Ted Williams (Photography), Joshua Sherman (Series Producer), Alan Schulman (Cello), Cynthia Sesso (Photo Research), Janet DeMatteis (Creative Director), Michael O. Drexler (Mastering)
In January 1956, veteran tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins recorded a dozen songs, eight with a string orchestra and four accompanied by a big band, all arranged by Billy Byers. Hawkins is the main soloist throughout the CD reissue, and he was still very much in his prime 33 years after he first joined Fletcher Henderson's orchestra; in fact, the upcoming 1957 would be one of his finest years. However, Byers' arrangements are more functional than inspired, and some of these selections are more easy listening than they are swinging. Still, there are some strong moments (particularly on "The Bean Stalks Again" and "His Very Own Blues") and, although not classic, this is a pleasing release, augmented by nine previously unreleased alternate takes, all but one of which are complete. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
