Album Reviews

The almost apologetic liner notes let you know that the music on this album, and indeed Mr. Hawkins himself, was essentially out of favor, except as an exercise in nostalgia and that Prestige’s “Moodsville” series, if not meant as background “mood music,” could serve that purpose, though it was perfectly suited for actual listening should the buyer so desire. Montovani is even mentioned in the notes!

By 1961, after Parker’s Be-bop revolution and Monk and Coltrane and Miles’s modal work, lushly rendered standards and the soft luxury ride Hawkins gave the tenor sax were definitely considered moldy in the face of what was new and modern.

In an effort to support and refresh the old man, then youngsters like bassist Ron Carter, guitarist Kenny Burrell and drummer Andre Cyrille were enlisted. Rather than “modernizing” Hawkins, the kids fell under his spell, helping to produce a lush, chewy set of six balladized standards that is probably more interesting and compelling today than it was when this set was first released. I guarantee you this double 45rpm set sounds much better than the original, that is for sure.

Today, more than in 1961, we are in desperate need of a respite from current insanities, political, cultural and military. As an antidote for today’s afflictions, this richly recorded, relaxing set does the job as well as any such set, with both Carter and Burrell’s support standing out particularly strongly.

So light up your chosen combustible and sip your favorite after dinner throat soother, slip this on your turntable and you will relax with the great Coleman Hawkins and friends and arrive later in your bedroom, refreshed and ready for sleep.