Experience the electrifying energy of a historic jazz performance with "Hawkins + Eldridge + Gillespie + Stitt - Konserthuset, Stockholm Sweden May 20th. 1958," a newly restored live album featuring the legendary Coleman Hawkins. Recorded in 1958 at Stockholm's Konserthuset, this album captures a stellar lineup of jazz greats, including Hawkins on tenor saxophone, Roy Eldridge on trumpet, Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet, and Gene Ammons on tenor saxophone, delivering an unforgettable set of bebop, cool jazz, and hard bop classics.
The album opens with "Azure," a track that showcases Hawkins' masterful phrasing and tone, followed by the upbeat "Sometimes I'm Happy," where Eldridge and Gillespie's trumpet work shines. The iconic "Stardust" offers a moment of cool jazz elegance, while "Pennies From Heaven" brings a playful, swinging vibe. The ensemble's virtuosity is on full display in "A Night In Tunisia," a hard bop tour de force, and the set concludes with the soulful "Wee Baby Blues," highlighting Hawkins' expressive depth.
Restored in 2023, this release offers pristine sound quality, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate interplay and improvisational brilliance of these jazz legends. With a runtime of just over 33 minutes, the album is a concise yet powerful snapshot of a pivotal moment in jazz history. Whether you're a longtime fan of Coleman Hawkins or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a thrilling journey into the heart of mid-20th-century jazz.