Search - Coleman Hawkins :: Hollywood Stampede

Some of my favorite 'BEAN' recordings

douglasnegley | Pittsburgh, Pa. United States | 09/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since the Hawk had a very prolific recording career, spanning the whole range of almost every decade in jazz, it is a real statement to make to say "favorite". But, in this case, I didn't even have to think twice. "Hollywood Stampede" found its way into an already overburdened LP collection I had almost 30 years ago. There it sat (or hid) while over the years my tastes ebbed and flowed, and much of the vinyl was sacrificed. Recently, I pulled it out, put it back in its rightful place (on the turntable), and re-discovered it with a vengeance. Howard McGhee is marvelous on trumpet on the first 4 tracks, and Allen Reuss' 'Freddie Green-style' guitar isn't just great, it's really audible and a major part of the recording. I always knew there was a reason I kept this one. The Hawk blows his way through these tracks with a confident sort of bravado, almost - as if he wears the title belt, knows it, and still has something to say. A great candidate for CD issue."

Excellent.

bruce horner | 09/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Could well be my favorite Hawkins album. Did he ever swing harder than on these punchy, economical, swing-to-bop flavored tunes? Maybe, but the sound, the feel, the bite of these tracks is peerless as far as I can see. The sonic nuance and texture is amazing too, considering when they were recorded. Everyone should have this."