Search - George Coleman :: At Yoshi's

Stellar mainstream live bop revival (41/2 stars)

A. K. L. | Steilacoom, WA USA | 04/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Here in a live 1990 session with his favorite pianist, Howard 'Mabes' Mabern, George Coleman re-asserts himself as one of the premiere hard bop improvisors. He lost the faith in the 70's and made some flimzy records, as so many jazz musicians did, seduced by rock and fusion. Coleman even tried comedy routines! But he returned to the mainstream in the bop revival as tenor guru to such young lions as Ned Otter and Eric Alexander (who also studies and records with Mabern). If you're an Alexander fan, you'll be amazed at how much of his phrasing and sound is embedded in Coleman's playing: the music of the disciple in the seeds of the master.Coleman had recorded on some of the classic albums of bop's black-golden age: with Miles Davis on 'Seven Steps to Heaven' and Miles' double CD New York concert of 1963. Coleman is also first-rate on a series of Chet Baker albums from the mid-60's which ought to be better known, the best being 'Lonely Star.' He attained jazz immortality as tenor on Herbie Hancock's 'Maiden Voyage,' one of the supreme achievements of the genre. At first hearing, Coleman is so rounded in tone and mainstream in style that he doesn't stand out. But as his student Eric Alexander will attest, Coleman is a subtle master of meter, teaching a new kind of phrasing that begins and ends on the off-beat. The only other tenor who did it this well was Warne Marsh, but Coleman is so fluid and graceful, he makes it sound easy. And he's still going in 2004 with a number of very new recordings.This CD may not 'break new ground' but it presents classic bop the way it was meant to be heard, up close and personal in an intimate night club setting. Absolutely recommended for fans of mainstream modern jazz who admire those unsung bebop heros who keep the light burning! (You may want to check out my listmania of '25 Unsung Tenor Sax Heros.')"

Coleman in peak form on this live set

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 09/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tenor saxophonist George Coleman was in peak form on this live set of hard bop recorded at Oakland, CA jazz club Yoshi's and originally released in 1987 on the Theresa label. Harold Mabern's piano is a strong asset, and Ray Drummond on bass and Alvin Queen on drums are solid in support. A lengthy workout on Freddie Hubbard's "Up Jumped Spring" is a highlight, though there are compelling moments throughout the set."