Coleman Hawkins, the man who in the 1920s made the tenor saxophone a jazz instrument, who in the 1930s broke new harmonic ground with "Body and Soul," was a pioneer who looked forward, not back. When the young beboppers began their explorations in the early 1940s, he nurtured their ambition and their spirits and gave them work. Throughout his long career, his accompanists were likely to be from the newest jazz generation.

 

 After pianist Tommy Flanagan moved to New York, it did not take Hawkins long to hire him. At Ease is one of the most charming and attractive of the many albums the two made together – a collection of ballads played with great affection for the melody. Hawkins could be fiercely aggressive in his playing. In this collection, he displays tenderness.

Recorded in 1960 by the inimitable Rudy Van Gelder at his studio in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, At Ease with Coleman Hawkins finds tenor saxophonist Coleman Hawkins (nicknamed Hawk) effortlessly gliding through eight outstanding tracks in his trademark breathy tone.

Miles Davis once said, "When I heard Hawk, I learned to play ballads," and At Ease... shows why - at every turn - Hawkins blows with cool, understated beauty. Joined for this date by Tommy Flanagan on piano, Wendell Marshall on bass, and Osie Johnson on drums, Hawk turns in a laid-back, dream-like suite of ballads worthy of a spot in every sophisticated jazz fan's LP collection.

Musicians:
Coleman Hawkins, tenor saxophone
Tommy Flanagan, piano
Wendell Marshall, bass
Osie Johnson, drums

 

Side 1

1. For You, For Me, For Evermore

2. While We’re Young

3. Then I’ll Be Tired Of You

4. Mighty Like A Rose

 

Side 2

5. At Dawning

6. Trouble Is A Man

7. Poor Butterfly

8. I’ll Get By