The Hawk Relaxes (Remastered) Coleman Hawkins

• 1 I'll Never Be The Same 06:10
• 2 When Day Is Done 04:28
• 3 Under a Blanket of Blue 04:39
• 4 More Than You Know 04:12
• 5 Moonglow 05:59
• 6 Just a Gigolo 05:07
• 7 Speak Low 06:39
• Total Runtime 37:14

Info for The Hawk Relaxes (Remastered)

Digitally remastered Contains the complete original album the Hawk Relaxes, a quintet session which paired the great Coleman Hawkins with guitarist Kenny Burrell and bassist Ron Carter.

"Some would contend that THE HAWK RELAXES is largely mood music; it's made up almost entirely of ballads of a similar tempo. However, the quality of the music presented here automatically takes this recording (and all of the musicians) out of the limited realm of mood music."

“To begin with, his tone isn't simply "pretty." Nor is it burdened by heaviness and grease, breathiness and spit, exaggerated vibratos and gratuitous effects. It's a non- manufactured sound, as natural and spontaneous as it is virile, warm-hearted and bold. Even on ballads, the Hawk talks, dramatically punctuating the poetry with near-vocal articulations, especially as he moves up the register of the horn.

A rubato initial chorus of "When Day Is Done" begins in dark resignation before going to regular meter and rising to a memorable protest against the dying of the light. The sublimely sentimental "Under a Blanket of Blue" begins with cozy story-telling warmth before a double-time second chorus introduces playfulness under the covers. After Kenny Burrell plays the verse, Hawkins brings to "More Than You Know" all of the soulful drama of an angst-ridden Sinatra reading. Next, Hawkins' unaccompanied assertive tenor announces a surprise dance tonight before seductively sliding into the gently swinging strains of "Moonglow." "Just a Gigolo" becomes a memorable conversation between Hawk and Burrell, a performance comparing favorably with Sarah Vaughan's At Mr. Kelly’s.” (All About Jazz)

"It is said that one grows wiser and mellower with age, as proven by this recording from Coleman Hawkins that is a successful follow-up to his previous Moodsville album At Ease. There is a difference, as Kenny Burrell joins the legendary tenor saxophonist in this quintet setting, with no threat of upstaging or even a hint of any real showcasing of the guitarist's then developing laid-back side. Underrated Ronnell Bright is on the piano, and also proves a veritable equal to Hawkins even more than Burrell. But it is the burgeoning talent of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Andrew Cyrille who mark their territory, not as the maverick individualists they would become, but as supple performers who understand the strength of Hawkins from a modest standpoint. Not all ballads, the fare is standard American popular song played for people sitting by the fire, the calm ocean, or late at night with a sweetheart over candles and wine. Any version of a well-known tune can be made classic by Hawkins, as heard during the somber "I'll Never Be The Same," the straight ballad "Under a Blanket of Blue" with the tenor's slight fluttery trills, or "Just a Gigolo" where the spotlight is firmly focused on the leader's droll tones. Burrell's strumming on "When Day Is Done" signifies a downplayed, wound down feeling, and where he generally chooses a sublimated role in these recordings, he does come out with a strong lead melody for the soulful ballad "More Than You Know." The modified tunes on the session are the midtempo take of "Moonglow" as Hawkins adopts some of Lester Young's swagger as Cyrille's nimble brushwork keeps the song moving forward. "Speak Low" is interpreted in a sleek and seductive calypso beat ably conjured by the drummer, a nice touch to end the album. This quintet -- as unique as any Hawkins ever fronted -- speaks to his open mindedness, but more so to his innate ability in adapting musicians to his situational hitting. The Hawk Relaxes is one of his best latter period efforts." (Michael G. Nastos, AMG)

Coleman Hawkins, tenor saxophone
Kenny Burrell, guitar
Ronnell Bright, piano
Ron Carter, bass
Andrew Cyrille, drums

Digitally remastered

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