NEA Jazz Master & Renowned Tenor Saxophonist/Composer GEORGE COLEMAN, with brilliant technique and a deeply soulful tone, has performed with many legendary jazz figures & influenced countless saxophonists. At 17, George was invited to tour with B.B. KING after he heard him in a local club. When MAX ROACH heard George in 1958, he invited him to join his own quartet. When eminent trombonist SLIDE HAMPTON formed his octet, George formed the brass-heavy front line with Slide & Freddie Hubbard. For 2 years George was a member of the MILE DAVIS Quintet with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter & Tony Williams, recording four albums; 'Seven Steps to Heaven', 'My Funny Valentine', 'Four' & 'Miles Davis in Europe'. The next year George was featured on Herbie Hancock's landmark 'Maiden Voyage', one of the most popular albums in the history of jazz. Since 1973, Coleman has focused primarily on his own groups.
The George Coleman Quintet Includes GEORGE COLEMAN (Sax); George Coleman, Jr. (Drums); Esteemed Double-Bassist JOHN WEBBER; Critically Acclaimed Pianist MIKE DELONNE; & Prolific Tenor Saxophonist ERIC ALEXANDER. "Greatness is assuredly the only word applicable to the player [George Coleman]..." -JAZZ TIMES. "He's still one of the most fluent and inventive tenor saxophonists around," -THE GUARDIAN. "Everything about saxophonist George Coleman's 'The Quartet' is perfect..." -DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE.