George Coleman With Strings
High Note, 2025
9/10
Listen to George Coleman With Strings
The tenor sax wizard George Coleman is in some fine company for these 7 tracks with strings that were recorded in 2022.
The rich and cozy spirit of “Dedicated To You” opens with Coleman’s stirring sax amid elegant strings and Joe Farnsworth’s light drumming, and “Moment To Moment” follows with plenty of rhythm thanks to Café Da Silva’s percussion and David Hazeltine’s sophisticated keys.
“Stella By Starlight” and “A Time For Love” land in the middle. The former enlists John Webber’s precisely plucked bass alongside the soulful sax and sweeping strings, while the latter offers a romantic mood via the meticulous wind and frisky rhythm section.
“Ugly Beauty” is the last tune before a couple of alternate versions, and it’s a spirited take on a Thelonious Monk original in a ballad friendly and atmospheric setting, which is followed by full orchestra intros to both “A Time For Love” and “Ugly Beauty”.
Coleman has done just everything a musician can do in their career, and has inspired legions of other saxophonists along the way. This 20th album proves that, even at 90 years old, he’s able to bring new ideas into his craft, where the addition of strings makes this first rate jazz even more appealing.
Travels well with: Mark Winkler- Hold On; Jim Self- My America 3: My Country