Analogue Productions / Impulse - CIPJ 34 SA - Hybrid SACD Stereo - 753088103469

Mastered By Kevin Gray at Acoustech Mastering

Limited Edition  - Hybrid SACD Plays On Normal CD Players

Earlier in 1962, Moodsville producer Esmond Edwards had recorded the same working quartet at Van Gelder’s studio in sessions themed on Broadway musicals. (The first of these recordings, “Good Old Broadway” from February 1962, mastered by Alan Yoshida for JVC’s XRCD series, displays the band’s prowess with standards and show tunes, and is highly recommended for performance and sound quality.) The “Today and Now” session was the fourth time Hawkins’ working quartet visited RVG’s studio that year. The telepathic communication between Hawkins and Flanagan, and the sheer effortlessness of Hawkins’ own playing must have benefitted from those frequent opportunities to record in collaboration with creative A&R men like Thiele and Edwards. Analogue Productions' careful transfer presents the nuances of one of the most significant tenor voices of his generation. In 1962 Coleman Hawkins enjoyed an autumnal career renaissance. He was performing at peak musical level and recording frequently with a stable and stimulating working group. “Today and Now” captures the Hawk in graceful flight. - Sound 5.5/6 HR Audio

 

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.

 

Coleman Hawkins Today And Now 

 

 

 

1. Go Li'l Liza

2. Quintessence

3. Don't Love Me

4. Love Song From 'Apache'

5. Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet

6. Swingin' Scotch

7. Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree