A Master Speaks

LIKE THE PRONOUNCEMENTS OF A SAGE, LEGENDARY TENOR SAXOPHONIST GEORGE COLEMAN’S NEW RECORDING A Master Speaks communicates both wisdom and wonder that bespeaks Coleman’s half century in music. At 80-years-old, Coleman sounds, as ever, both vital and timeless. He’s obviously invigorated by the deep sense of swing and classic hard-bop feel of the quartet he’s assembled.

A Master Speaks is Coleman’s first release as a leader in nearly 20 years and first recording since the 2002 all-star live tribute album Four Generations of Miles. The rarity of the session is remarkable in itself; even more special is the fact that it grew out of a desire shared by Coleman and his son, drummer George Coleman Jr., to finally record together. They’re joined by a stellar band featuring pianist Mike LeDonne and bassist Bob Cranshaw, with guitarist Peter Bernstein making a special guest appearance.

A man of few words, Coleman nonetheless conveys his thoughts with unparalleled eloquence when he speaks through his instrument, as profoundly evidenced by the nine tracks on A Master Speaks, his long-overdue return to the studio