Customer Reviews

The Song of the Hawk: The Life and Recordings of Coleman Hawkins (The Michigan American Music Series)

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John Chilton IS a professional jazz musician as well as a Coleman Hawkins fan (who could not be). Another reviewer has criticized the criticism for not being critical; I wish to criticize him! First off as a pioneer, Hawkins had NO contemporaries at the start of his career. Few reviews are gushing with praise, there are plenty of recordings that are (dare I use the word) criticized. What makes this book so great is the thoroughness: nearly every detail in a HUGE catalog of recordings is discussed. Many of the recordings are obscure and often out of print, yet I could only find a few he missed. I've had a great time reading his thoughts on a track and then going back and listening for the points mentioned. I've read many jazz musicians' biographies, this is my favorite. While it adequately covers the personal details, the focus is on the music. If I had any criticism at all, it would be that it's maybe a little too unemotionally scholastic.

This is a very entertaining book about this groundbreaking saxophone stylist. However, the analyses of his recordings are kind of nonsense. The author himself isn't a musician instead of a devoted fan? The author does not compare the Hawk with other players of the era very critically, ie. based on musical facts. Still, a very readable book.