- Coleman Hawkins "At Ease With Coleman Hawkins" (Moodsville, Volume 7) !
- Coleman Hawkins "At Ease With Coleman Hawkins" 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl LP !
- Moodsville Acoustic Sounds Series – Craft Recordings !
- AAA All-Analog Mastering from the Original Analog Tapes by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab !
- Pressed at Quality Record Pressings (QRP) !
- Original Recording Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder !
- Stereo Edition !

A magnificent masterpiece of lyrical elegance, romantic expression and timeless jazz sophistication, featuring one of the greatest tenor saxophonists in the history of jazz.

Originally recorded in 1960, At Ease With Coleman Hawkins reveals the legendary tenor saxophonist at his most intimate and expressive. Released on Prestige Records' celebrated Moodsville subsidiary, this exceptional album presents Coleman Hawkins in a beautifully restrained quartet setting, exploring eight timeless standards with extraordinary warmth, sensitivity and melodic refinement.

Widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern jazz saxophone, Coleman Hawkins revolutionized the expressive possibilities of the tenor saxophone. His rich, commanding tone, sophisticated harmonic imagination and remarkable improvisational abilities influenced generations of musicians, establishing him as one of the most important instrumentalists in jazz history.

Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's legendary studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, in 1960, the album brings together an outstanding quartet featuring pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Wendell Marshall and drummer Osie Johnson. Together, these accomplished musicians create an atmosphere of exceptional intimacy, subtle rhythmic interplay and effortless musical communication.

Unlike the powerful and sometimes fiercely energetic performances that characterized other periods of his remarkable career, Hawkins adopts a more contemplative approach throughout this recording. His magnificent breathy tone, expressive phrasing and extraordinary melodic sensitivity reveal a deeply romantic dimension of his musical personality.

The album opens with "For You, For Me, For Evermore", a beautifully relaxed interpretation that immediately establishes the recording's intimate atmosphere. Hawkins' warm tenor saxophone glides effortlessly over Tommy Flanagan's delicate piano accompaniment, supported by the understated rhythmic foundation of Wendell Marshall and Osie Johnson.

"While We're Young" continues this lyrical exploration, highlighting Hawkins' exceptional ability to transform a familiar melody into a deeply personal musical statement. His sophisticated phrasing and expressive tonal colours create an atmosphere of remarkable tenderness and emotional depth.

On "Then I'll Be Tired of You", the quartet delivers a particularly elegant performance, balancing melodic refinement with subtle improvisational freedom. Hawkins' commanding yet restrained approach demonstrates his extraordinary mastery of the jazz ballad.

The first side concludes with "Mighty Lak a Rose", a beautifully expressive interpretation distinguished by the saxophonist's rich tone and exceptional emotional sensitivity. The performance perfectly illustrates his ability to communicate profound feeling through the simplest melodic gestures.

The second side opens with "At Dawning", another exquisite example of Hawkins' lyrical imagination. His flowing improvisations and beautifully controlled phrasing are complemented by Flanagan's sophisticated harmonic accompaniment, creating a captivating musical dialogue.

"Trouble Is a Man" introduces a gently melancholic atmosphere, allowing Hawkins to explore the composition's expressive possibilities with remarkable subtlety. The quartet's understated interaction provides an ideal setting for his deeply personal interpretation.

On "Poor Butterfly", Hawkins delivers a magnificent performance filled with warmth, elegance and nostalgic charm. His distinctive tenor saxophone sound brings renewed emotional depth to this enduring standard.

The album concludes with "I'll Get By", a tender and beautifully balanced interpretation that perfectly captures the recording's romantic character. Hawkins' expressive playing and the quartet's exceptional musical cohesion bring this remarkable session to a deeply satisfying conclusion.

Throughout At Ease With Coleman Hawkins, the legendary saxophonist demonstrates that true musical greatness lies not only in technical brilliance, but also in the ability to communicate profound emotion through melody, phrasing and silence. His extraordinary sensitivity transforms these eight familiar standards into timeless expressions of jazz artistry.

Presented in the prestigious Moodsville Acoustic Sounds Series, this exceptional audiophile reissue has been mastered entirely in the analog domain by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab from the original analog tapes. Pressed on 180 gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP), this edition offers a wonderful opportunity to rediscover one of Coleman Hawkins' most elegant and intimate recordings.

An essential album for admirers of classic jazz ballads, exceptional tenor saxophone performances and the timeless musical legacy of Coleman Hawkins.