Is Night Hawk a good place to start with Coleman Hawkins?

Yes, Night Hawk is recommended as a starting point for new Coleman Hawkins listeners. Rich, expansive tones collide with intricate rhythms, showcasing the evolution of jazz through Coleman Hawkins' mastery of the tenor saxophone. By the time 'Night Hawk' was released in January 1961, Coleman Hawkins had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz, known for his influential work since the 1920s. This album came during a period of resurgence for Hawkins, following his successful collaborations and recordings that renewed interest in his artistry after years of overshadowing by younger musicians.

Who is Night Hawk for?

Night Hawk works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, smooth melodies for evening relaxation and gradual build towards emotional resolution.

How many songs are on Night Hawk?

Night Hawk has 5 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Night Hawk

Coleman Hawkins · 1961

40 min · 5 tracks · jazz

Rich, expansive tones collide with intricate rhythms, showcasing the evolution of jazz through Coleman Hawkins' mastery of the tenor saxophone.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Night Hawk Start here — The title track serves as an impressive showcase for Hawkins’ virtuosity, blending complex melodies with rich emotional depth that sets the album's tone.
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There Is No Greater Love — This rendition highlights Hawkins’ ability to reinterpret standards with a unique flair, employing dynamic phrasing that breathes new life into the classic tune.
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In a Mellow Tone — The track features a relaxed yet intricate interplay between Hawkins and the ensemble, illustrating his skill in creating atmospheric soundscapes while maintaining melodic clarity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Hawkins' mastery shines through in sophisticated arrangements and deep improvisation, marking a strong entry in his discography.

What we noticed

Several tracks include extended improvisational sections where Hawkins explores variations on the main themes, demonstrating his mastery of the tenor saxophone.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

steady pacing for focused listening
smooth melodies for evening relaxation
gradual build towards emotional resolution
intricate improvisations for attentive ears

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced music
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases Hawkins' mastery in jazz, solidifying his role in the hard bop movement.
Career context: By the time 'Night Hawk' was released in January 1961, Coleman Hawkins had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz, known for his influential work since the 1920s. This album came during a period of resurgence for Hawkins, following his successful collaborations and recordings that renewed interest in his artistry after years of overshadowing by younger musicians.
Stylistic neighbors: Ben Webster· Lester Young· John Coltrane