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The Hawk Relaxes
Jazz · 1961 · 7 tracks

The Hawk Relaxes

Coleman Hawkins

A masterclass in late-night restraint, where Hawkins’ heavy-lidded tenor saxophone meets Kenny Burrell’s bluesy guitar for forty minutes of sophisticated serenity.

1961 · ArsNova

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The Hawk Relaxes is the sonic equivalent of a slow exhale at the end of a long day. Released on the Moodsville label, which was specifically designed for 'mood' music, this album finds Coleman Hawkins stepping away from the technical pyrotechnics of his earlier bop sessions to embrace a lush, ballad-heavy approach. His tenor saxophone sounds massive here, yet incredibly gentle, characterized by a wide, velvety vibrato that feels like it’s being whispered directly into the listener's ear. It is an album that prioritizes texture and emotional resonance over speed, making it one of the most accessible yet deeply rewarding entries in his later discography.

Tracklist · 7 Tracks
01
I'll Never Be the Same
6:14
02
When Day Is Done
4:30
03
Under a Blanket of Blue
4:41
04
More Than You Know
4:14
05
Moonglow
6:03
06
Just a Gigolo
5:09
07
Speak Low
6:40
Moments Worth Listening For
the moment in Just a Gigolo where Hawkins' breathy vibrato hangs in the air before the piano takes over
Kenny Burrell's blues-inflected guitar solo on Moonglow that bridges the gap between jazz and late-night soul
the seamless transition from the main theme to the improvised bridge on Under a Blanket of Blue

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