George Coleman

A masterful improviser with an ear for both blues-informed lyricism and adventurous harmonics, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator George Coleman is one of the most respected musicians to emerge from the hard bop era. A Memphis native known for his adept speed and big, warm tone, Coleman first came to prominence playing with drummer Max Roach's quintet. Later, he achieved fame as a member of Miles Davis' quintet in the early '60s. After ceding his place to Wayne Shorter, Coleman carved out his own distinctive place in the jazz pantheon, and as a bandleader in his own right. Albums like 1976's Eastern Rebellion with Cedar Walton, 1979's Amsterdam After Dark, 2000's Danger High Voltage, 2016's A Master Speaks, and 2023's Live at Smalls Jazz Club all reached the epitome of hard-swinging acoustic jazz.