Artist: Coleman Hawkins Album: At The Golden Circle

Year: 1963
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album At The Golden Circle by Music Artist Coleman Hawkins

Coleman Hawkins was an American jazz saxophonist and bandleader who revolutionized the jazz genre by breaking free of the traditional musical conventions of the time. One of his most beloved albums, At The Golden Circle, was recorded live in Sweden in 1965 and is considered a classic of the jazz genre. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the album, its best songs, most innovative parts, and my honest critique of the album.

At The Golden Circle is a showcase of Hawkins' incredible skills as a saxophonist. The album features Hawkins joined by a jazz trio on piano, bass, and drums, and the instrumentation complements his playing perfectly. One of the standout tracks on the album is Stuffy, which highlights Hawkins' virtuosity on the saxophone, as well as the talents of his backing band. The song alternates between fast-paced solos and melodic interludes, and the overall effect is magical.

Another highlight of the album is the song Joshua, a beautiful ballad that showcases Hawkins' mastery of more laid-back tempos. The piano and bass work on the track is also exceptional, making it a standout piece on the album. A personal favorite of mine is Mood Indigo, a Duke Ellington composition that Hawkins absolutely nails with his unique interpretation.

The most innovative part of At The Golden Circle, however, is the way the album was recorded. Swedish record producers Jan and Gert Palmcrantz took a risk by recording the album using a four-track tape recorder, which allowed them to capture every nuance of Hawkins' playing, as well as the energy of the live performance. The resulting album has a warm, inviting sound that draws the listener in and makes them feel like they're right there in the audience.

In terms of my overall critique of the album, I have to say that it truly is a masterpiece of the jazz genre. Hawkins' playing is breathtaking, and the musicians backing him up are equally talented. The album is a true testament to the power of live performance and the energy that can be captured in a recording. My only critique would be that the album can be a bit repetitive at times, with a lot of the songs falling into a similar style and tempo. However, this is a minor complaint given the overall quality of the music on the album.

At The Golden Circle is an album that every jazz enthusiast should own. Coleman Hawkins was a master of his craft, and this album showcases his incredible talents perfectly. The live recording gives the album a unique and inviting sound, and the songs on the album are all outstanding examples of the jazz genre. If you haven't heard this album before, I highly recommend giving it a listen. It's sure to become a favorite in your collection.