Is Back in Bean's Bag a good place to start with Coleman Hawkins?

Yes, Back in Bean's Bag is recommended as a starting point for new Coleman Hawkins listeners. A vibrant blend of traditional jazz rhythms and improvisational flair that showcases Hawkins' signature tenor saxophone style. By 1963, Coleman Hawkins was an established figure in jazz, known as the 'Father of the Tenor Saxophone.' Released early in the year, Back in Bean's Bag marked a continuation of his prolific output following successful records in the late 1950s and early 1960s, further solidifying his influence on the genre.

Who is Back in Bean's Bag for?

Back in Bean's Bag works well if you're into smooth melodies for relaxed moments, short bursts of melodic warmth and engaging background for social gatherings.

How many songs are on Back in Bean's Bag?

Back in Bean's Bag has 6 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Back in Bean's Bag

Coleman Hawkins · 1963

14 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of traditional jazz rhythms and improvisational flair that showcases Hawkins' signature tenor saxophone style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Tune for the Tutor Start here — This opening track features intricate solos and a lively tempo, setting the tone for the album while showcasing Hawkins' virtuosic control over his instrument.
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Michelle — Hawkins' rendition transforms this Beatles classic into a smooth jazz ballad, highlighting his ability to bridge popular music and jazz through emotive expression.
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Don't Worry 'Bout Me — The melancholic phrasing in this track reveals Hawkins' mastery of mood, creating a reflective atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Hawkins' improvisational style and strong rhythmic foundation create a vibrant jazz experience.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and rhythm section, enhancing the dynamic interplay.
The final track, 'Squeeze Me,' serves as a slower, more reflective conclusion after a series of upbeat pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smooth melodies for relaxed moments
short bursts of melodic warmth
engaging background for social gatherings
playful tones that invite smiles

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, expansive albums
seek high-energy, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases Hawkins' style but not his most recognized work.
Career context: By 1963, Coleman Hawkins was an established figure in jazz, known as the 'Father of the Tenor Saxophone.' Released early in the year, Back in Bean's Bag marked a continuation of his prolific output following successful records in the late 1950s and early 1960s, further solidifying his influence on the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Ben Webster· Lester Young· John Coltrane

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Don't Worry 'Bout Me

The narrative shifts from reassurance to vulnerability as the narrator reflects on heartache and longing.

This emotional pivot enriches the song's depth, allowing listeners to feel both comforted and exposed through its nuanced delivery.