Coleman Hawkins - Soul (1992) [eac-flac] Apr 2026

: The opening 10-minute track is an extended tour de force that demonstrates Hawkins' ability to build tension through rhythmic displacement and a "large sound" full of wide vibrato.

One of the album's defining characteristics is Hawkins' choice of personnel. He famously sought out the "best of the young musicians," and here he is backed by a rhythm section that provides a modern, swinging foundation:

: They maintain a steady, locked-in time that allows Hawkins the freedom to explore the "space" above the beat. The Master of Balladry Coleman Hawkins - Soul (1992) [EAC-FLAC]

While Soul may not be as revolutionary as his early swing recordings or his brief forays into bebop, it remains an essential retrospective of his peak creative years. It captures a moment in jazz history where the "Father of the Tenor Sax" successfully integrated the emerging soulful sounds of the late 50s without sacrificing the harmonic complexity that defined his legacy.

: Burrell’s "chunking" quarter notes and melodic solos provide a cool, sophisticated counterpoint to Hawkins’ more aggressive delivery. : The opening 10-minute track is an extended

: A "high-watermark interpretation" of a standard that showcases his lush tone and intricate harmonic substitutions. Historical Significance

: His "rhapsodic, personal version" of this traditional tune is exquisitely breathy . While some critics found it "difficult to sit through" due to its sentimentality, others view it as a prime example of his ability to personalize familiar material. The Master of Balladry While Soul may not

Hawkins' reputation was built on his 1939 recording of "Body and Soul," and that mastery of balladry is evident here.