Release Date: 19 May 2023
Label: Wienerworld
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 875531022865
Description
Tenor saxophone legend George Coleman sounds better than ever on the 5th release in the Smalls Living Masters Series. Tenor titan George Coleman declares "this record is a tribute to our great city and all of our great fans”; many of which he earned after moving to New York City with Max Roach in 1957 – where he went on to star ensembles with Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.
The intimate confines of New York’s Smalls Jazz Club are therefore a fitting place to pay tribute to the city he called home for much of his career’s success. Coleman is on fire on this live recording – in the company of pianist Spike Wilner, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth.
Smalls was an institution of modern, underground New York bebop and hard bop in the 90s, earning a reputation for hosting all-out blowing sessions sometimes lasting until 6am. After sadly closing its doors in 2003, its legacy was re-ignited by Michael “Spike” Wilner – who plays piano on this recording – alongside original owner Mitchell Borden, and Lee Konstrinsky, who re-opened the club three years later.
The SmallsLIVE Foundation was created to support the club and sponsor mid-pandemic performances – such as this live session recording – which follows in a long line of releases recorded in the venue. This is the 5th album in the Smalls Living Masters series, so far comprising releases by Shelia Jordan, Dave Liebman, the Tyler Mitchell Octet and Kirk Lightsey.
Tracklisting
Mark Farner
The Flamin Groovies
The Blasters
Johnny Thunders
Great White
Todd Rundgren
Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo
999
George Coleman
George Coleman
George Coleman
George Coleman
