Sax Colossus: Coleman Hawkins

Pavel Arakelian - sax Dmitrij Golovanov - piano Aliaksei Kryshtal - double bass Augustas Baronas - drums

(swing, golden jazz era, bebop)

If one were to look for the person who gave the tenor saxophone a voice in jazz, one of the first names would undoubtedly be Coleman Hawkins.

A powerful, rich sound, an impeccable sense of rhythm, and harmonic imagination made Hawkins one of the most important saxophonists in jazz history. Back when the tenor saxophone was still finding its place in jazz, Hawkins showed that this instrument could be not just a part of an ensemble, but a bright, independent soloist's voice.

His legendary recording of "Body and Soul" became one of the most important lessons in jazz improvisation – here, the melody becomes merely a starting point for harmonic freedom and spontaneous musical thought.

However, Hawkins was not a musician who remained stuck in his own era. Starting in the swing era, he curiously followed the changing jazz scene, played with younger generation musicians, and naturally embraced the new language of bebop.

In the Sax Colossus series, his music will become a starting point for today's musicians – not by trying to replicate historical recordings, but by seeking what Hawkins sought his entire life: a strong sound, freedom, improvisation, and a unique voice.

An evening dedicated to the man who helped the tenor saxophone become one of the most important instruments in jazz.