(Post-Bop, Straight-Ahead Jazz) [WEB] George Coleman (with Mike LeDonne, Bob Cranshaw) - A Master Speaks - 2016, FLAC (tracks), lossless

When you hear the tenor sax of George Coleman, you know it’s him within a few notes. That deep spark of a tone evokes a time and place—be it his historic work with Max Roach, Chet Baker and Miles Davis, or as a leader in his own right. On A Master Speaks, Coleman delivers that wondrous tone in full bloom—and the goods along with it. From the opening notes of “Invitation” to the final jam of his own “Time To Get Down,” it doesn’t take long to understand why Coleman was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2015. At the same time, it’s hard to comprehend why this is Coleman’s first release in nearly two decades—an event to celebrate because the master doesn’t really enjoy recording, but wanted to do so with his son, drummer George Coleman Jr. Both play beautifully in this quartet setting, as does bassist Bob Cranshaw. But special mention has to go out to pianist Mike LeDonne, whose work on such tunes as “The Shadow Of Your Smile,” “Darn That Dream” and “These Foolish Things” just oozes grace. The group, though, is there to make sure Coleman shines. The four swing through this nine-tune set. Along with the standards, Coleman intersperses some of his own compositions. “Blues For B.B.” is a tribute to his former boss, B.B. King, and features a guest appearance from guitarist Peter Bernstein. “Sonny’s Playground” features a trading session between father and son. And “Blondie’s Waltz“ dances and glides. Listening to this group is like taking an easy stroll with good friends. There are a lot of smiles along the way. (Frank Alkyer, Downbeat Magazine)