Fine and Mellow ... it was!!

What a line-up in this video! Billie Holiday singing with Ben Webster -- tenor saxophone, Lester Young -- tenor saxophone, Vic Dickenson -- trombone, Gerry Mulligan -- baritone saxophone, Coleman Hawkins -- tenor saxophone, Roy Eldridge -- trumpet, Doc Cheatham -- trumpet, Danny Barker -- guitar, Milt Hinton -- double bass, Mal Waldron -- piano and Osie Johnson - drums A singer's dream combo.  It just can't get any better. What an inspiration for 'Lady Day'.  Just look at the expressions on her face. She expresses ten levels of  emotions as she listens to her side-men - total respect!

Coleman Hawkins ~ The Hawk

Coleman Hawkins, commonly known as 'The Hawk', had a profound influence on my music values; in particular jazz music.

A classic track to draw your attention to, is Lover Man, recorded with Billy Holiday, Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Roy Eldridge; all jazz pillars. I'm trying to locate this particular recording online, as soon as I do, I'll post a link.

In the mean time, check out this video of Coleman Hawkins's rendition of Lover Man, cut from a film short called After Hours;

After Hours is really a social documentary film showing how people set out to enjoy themselves during the early '50's in a New York dance hall. The amazing fact is that they were able to do this to the music of some of the greatest jazz musicians of the time. (Click here to see more of this film review)

Click here to view another wonderful video from a collection of faded 16 mm movies; we see here a scene from a jazz club after hours. A club in New York, the customers have left, several of the staff stayed around to listen and the musicians just go in for a jam. They’re playing a blues, Johnny Guarnieri piano, Barry Galbraith guitar, Milt Hinton bass and Cozy Cole drums. It seems they are waiting for a guest coming in. And one does, the great Coleman Hawkins walks in.

Charles Washington Combo

at 

Cafe.Bar.Contemporary

Saturday 06 Aug 2011

The Charles Washington combo returns to Cafe.Bar.Live, playing an entertaining mix of soulful ballads, lively swing and Latin jazz standards.


The band is led by Afrikan/American vocalist, accompanied by guitars, bass and clarinet/sax. The singer’s spirited vocal style reflects his adventures within the musical milieux of Chicago, Boston and San Francisco.


Cafe.Bar.Live 8.00pm 'til late, free entrance.


Nottingham Contemporary
Weekday Cross
Nottingham
NG1 2GB


Interesting links:
http://www.couturenottingham.com/
http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/