Today and Now
Coleman Hawkins · 1963
40 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of melodic improvisation woven with classic jazz standards and heartfelt ballads, showcasing Hawkins' masterful saxophone artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Go Li’l Liza Start here — This track opens the album with an upbeat and playful interpretation, showcasing Hawkins' lively improvisational style and setting an inviting tone for listeners.
-
→
Love Song From "Apache" — Hawkins' interpretation imbues this piece with deep emotion, highlighting his ability to transform melodies through nuanced phrasing and expressive tone.
-
→
Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet — This lengthy track allows Hawkins to delve into extended improvisation, demonstrating his virtuosic skills while maintaining a nostalgic atmosphere throughout.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalHawkins blends traditional jazz with personal improvisation, creating a distinctive yet accessible sound.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a lively tempo, while the latter half introduces slower ballads that create a contrasting emotional landscape.
- Each piece is structured around a central melody, allowing for extended improvisation that highlights Hawkins' technical prowess.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 mid-tempo enjoyment
- rich melodic exploration
- for relaxed gatherings
- inviting sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Marks a mature phase with innovative phrasing, influencing future jazz musicians.
- Career context
- Released in 1963, Today and Now marked a significant moment in Coleman Hawkins' career as he was transitioning into a more mature phase of his artistry. This album followed his earlier works that solidified him as a leading tenor saxophonist in jazz. By this time, Hawkins had already established himself but was seeking to explore new musical territories, reflecting his adaptability and depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ben Webster· Lester Young· John Coltrane
Tracklist
- 1 Go Li’l Liza Start here 6:25
- 2 Quintessence 4:46
- 3 Don’t Love Me 4:41
- 4 Love Song From "Apache" 4:14
- 5 Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet 9:52
- 6 Swingin’ Scotch 5:33
- 7 Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree 4:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.