George Coleman With Strings

George Coleman's résumé is the stuff of legend. He cut his jazz teeth alongside some giants of the art form, joining Max Roach's ensemble in the 1950s, the Miles Davis Quintet, along with the bands of Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker and Elvin Jones. Mention must also be made of his work as a leader, which has inspired literally generations of saxophonists. Even with such an all-inclusive career, Coleman is still full of surprises and here on his new recording he gives his audience something they've never heard from him before - his first recording backed by a string orchestra. If you're into jazz history, you know this kind of project has some serious roots. Think Charlie Parker's "With Strings," or Stan Getz's "Focus"-albums where sax players let their lyrical side shine through lush orchestral arrangements. Coleman Hawkins did it. Ben Webster, too. Now, George Coleman joins the club, and it was certainly worth the wait. So why strings, and why now? Because Coleman is still growing. Still reaching. He's telling you a story he's been holding onto for years. This project isn't just another notch in his belt-it's a gift, plain and simple. An autumnal gem from a living legend, it gives us all a new way to hear George Coleman-still pushing boundaries, still playing from the heart.