Is The Hawk Flies High a good place to start with Coleman Hawkins?

Yes, The Hawk Flies High is recommended as a starting point for new Coleman Hawkins listeners. A vibrant showcase of improvisational brilliance, blending lush melodies with intricate rhythms that define Hawkins' mastery of jazz. In 1957, Coleman Hawkins was a revered figure in jazz, well-established after pioneering the tenor saxophone's prominence since the 1930s. 'The Hawk Flies High' followed his acclaimed album 'The Man I Love' and marked a period where he continued to innovate while maintaining his distinctive sound. This album solidified his status as a leading voice in jazz during an era of significant stylistic evolution.

Who is The Hawk Flies High for?

The Hawk Flies High works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, rich saxophone melodies to savor and gradual builds leading to resolution.

How many songs are on The Hawk Flies High?

The Hawk Flies High has 6 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

The Hawk Flies High

Coleman Hawkins · 1957

39 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant showcase of improvisational brilliance, blending lush melodies with intricate rhythms that define Hawkins' mastery of jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Chant Start here — This track opens the album with a compelling blend of rhythmic complexity and melodic inventiveness, setting the tone for Hawkins' expressive style.
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Juicy Fruit — With its extended improvisation, this track highlights Hawkins' ability to weave intricate solos that balance technical skill with emotional depth.
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Laura — Hawkins' interpretation transforms this standard into a personal statement, showcasing his lyrical phrasing and deep emotional connection to the melody.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Hawkins' improvisational skill shines through sophisticated arrangements, making this a standout jazz album of its time.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, with Hawkins' tenor saxophone taking the lead while the rhythm section provides a dynamic backdrop.
The album opens with a brisk tempo on 'Chant' and maintains a lively pace through the first three tracks before slowing down with 'Laura'.
The arrangements incorporate intricate harmonies and counterpoint, particularly evident in 'Blue Lights', which showcases interplay between the saxophone and piano.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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
rich saxophone melodies to savor
gradual builds leading to resolution
for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek high-energy party music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — This album showcases Hawkins' mastery and received significant critical acclaim.
Career context: In 1957, Coleman Hawkins was a revered figure in jazz, well-established after pioneering the tenor saxophone's prominence since the 1930s. 'The Hawk Flies High' followed his acclaimed album 'The Man I Love' and marked a period where he continued to innovate while maintaining his distinctive sound. This album solidified his status as a leading voice in jazz during an era of significant stylistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Ben Webster· Lester Young· John Coltrane