Truer words couldn’t be found for the title of this album by tenor saxist George Coleman. He’s most famous for being part of the front line of Miles Davis quintet during the famed ’64 tour of Europe that gave us “My Funny Valentine” as well as being in the tenor chair for Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage lp of the same era. He’s had an impressive career since those days, and this release demonstrates a style and attitude about playing that is lost on today’s artists.
First, he’s got a warm and smoky tone that lures you in, as on the steady grooved “Invitation” and the relaxed “Blues For BB” with Peter Bernstein’s guitar. He’s not afraid to stretch out and use dynamics and accents, but he uses them as extra strokes and not the main them, as on the muscular and modal read of “Blondie’s Walt” which includes Mike LeDonne’s piano and George Coleman Jr’s nimble drum work. Elegance is in abundance, with a minimalist piano and drum during “Darn That Dream” and even better is the sonata of just the vet saxist with LeDonne on a gorgeous “These Foolish Things.” The team which also includes Bob Cranshaw’s bouncy and bopping bass during “Sonny’s Playground” provides empathetic support, but it’s Coleman’s show here, and he takes the spotlight like Paglicacci. You can feel the authoritative history of modern jazz behind each note and phrase from this Geppetto of the Selmer. Wonderful!!!
Smoke Sessions Records