Is Soul a good place to start with Coleman Hawkins?

Yes, Soul is recommended as a starting point for new Coleman Hawkins listeners. A rich tapestry of bluesy melodies and soulful improvisations that captures the essence of jazz's emotional depth. By the time 'Soul' was released in March 1959, Coleman Hawkins was already an established figure in jazz, celebrated for his pioneering tenor saxophone work. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into more expressive forms, following his previous work on albums like 'The Man I Love' from 1957, showcasing his ability to blend traditional jazz with soulful elements.

Soul works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts, soulful narratives through lush harmonies and for a reflective morning.

How many songs are on Soul?

Soul has 7 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Soul

Coleman Hawkins · 1959

42 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A rich tapestry of bluesy melodies and soulful improvisations that captures the essence of jazz's emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Soul Blues Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its slow, deep grooves and rich saxophone lines that embody Hawkins's mastery of the instrument.
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Groovin' — This track highlights Hawkins's skill in blending intricate improvisation with a laid-back feel, making it a standout example of his artistry.
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Sunday Mornin' — With its reflective mood and soulful phrasing, this piece showcases Hawkins's ability to evoke emotion through melodic interpretation.

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's expressive saxophone work and the blend of originals with standards create a distinctive jazz experience.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of bluesy motifs, with Hawkins's saxophone weaving through each track in a conversational manner.
Each piece showcases extended improvisation, often exceeding the standard length for jazz tracks, allowing for deeper exploration of themes.

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

wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
soulful narratives through lush harmonies
for a reflective morning
ideal for intimate listening moments

Maybe skip if you

seeking fast-paced energy
prefer standalone upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in Hawkins's emotional expression and improvisational skill.
Career context: By the time 'Soul' was released in March 1959, Coleman Hawkins was already an established figure in jazz, celebrated for his pioneering tenor saxophone work. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into more expressive forms, following his previous work on albums like 'The Man I Love' from 1957, showcasing his ability to blend traditional jazz with soulful elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Ben Webster· Lester Young· John Coltrane