For those unaware, the 5th album in the Smalls Living Masters series finds tenor titan George Coleman in the company of pianist Spike Wilner, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth in the intimate confines of Smalls Jazz Club.

In the words of George Coleman, This record is a tribute to our great city and all of our great fans and here on Live at Smalls Jazz Club (releasing May 12th, 2023, believe me when I say that Coleman is on fire and sounds better than ever!

1. Four
2. At Last
3. My Funny Valentine
4. Meditation
5. Blues For Smalls
6. Nearness Of You
7. New York, New York
8. When Sunny Gets Blue

This heartfelt, endearing and phenomenally crafted live album opens on the near twelve minute, sumptuous luxuriant opus Four and the finger-snapping delights of At Last and they are followed by a stirring, veritably cinematic, ten minute My Funny Valentine and the free flowing Meditation.

On an album where the music consists of all the George Coleman hits throughout his career, he next brings us the earnestly coutured Blues For Smalls, which is in turn backed by the delicate gossamer of the eleven minute Nearness Of You, the album rounding out on the palatially regal New York, New York, coming to a close on the airy, yet grandiose When Sunny Gets Blue.

George Coleman started his 70th year as a professional musician on fire. The year 2022 brought about gigs at Dizzy’s, The Side Door, The Village Vanguard and finished with a gig at the Caramoor Jazz Fest celebrating his 87th birthday.

At each place, he left the stage to standing ovations and music lovers with tears in their eyes, because when two or more people get together that love music as much as George and Spike do, love will be the result.

The quartet on this date is George Coleman on tenor, Spike Wilner on piano, Peter Washington on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums.

Official Purchase Link