George Coleman

No tenor saxophonist better epitomizes the robust muscularity of that heavyweight instrument of jazz expression than George Coleman. With brilliant technique and a deeply soulful tone firmly rooted in his hometown of Memphis, George has performed with many of jazz’ most legendary figures and influenced countless saxophonists during his half century in music.

Growing up in Memphis’ rich musical environment of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, alongside such notables as Booker Little, Harold Mabern, Frank Strozier, Jamil Nasser, Hank Crawford, Phineas Newborn Jr., and blues immortal B.B. King, Coleman began to teach himself to play the alto saxophone in 1950, upon being profoundly affected by the music of Charlie Parker.

So prodigious was his talent that George was soon performing locally and in 1952, at the age of 17, was invited to tour with B.B. King after the guitarist heard him in a local club. Coleman spent three more years on the vibrant Memphis scene, expanding his musical knowledge through his associations and influences, and writing for popular artists including the Moonglows and Ray Charles.

In 1955 he rejoined B.B.’s band, but this time on tenor sax, which would become his primary horn from that point on.

In 1956 George moved to Chicago, along with Booker Little. The bustling jazz scene brought him together with local heavyweights like Gene Ammons, Johnny Griffin, John Gilmore and Ira Sullivan, and he joined Walter Perkins’ group, The MJT + 3. When Max Roach heard George with this unit in 1958, he invited him to join his own quartet featuring Kenny Dorham on trumpet.

Coleman moved to New York later that year and has made his home there ever since. Booker soon replaced Dorham in the group and George remained with Max for two years. When eminent trombonist Slide Hampton formed his octet in 1959, George and his Max Roach bandmates Little and Julian Priester formed the brass-heavy front line with Slide and Freddie Hubbard.

He remained with Hampton until 1962, touring Europe for the first time during his stay. But more importantly, he began focusing more on his own composing and arranging, laying the foundation for his own octet that would be formed in 1974 and which is still a powerful force on the scene today.

After a brief stint with organist Wild Bill Davis, a call from the incomparable Miles Davis in 1963 briefly re-united Coleman with his old Manassas High schoolmates Mabern and Strozier, who soon departed in favor of the personnel that would form one of the most influential groups in jazz history.

For two years George was a member of that groundbreaking quintet with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Tony Williams, recording four classic albums—Seven Steps to Heaven, My Funny Valentine, Four and Miles Davis in Europe—before departing to pursue other projects, leaving that highly visible position to Wayne Shorter. The following year George and Hubbard joined with Miles’ rhythm team for Herbie Hancock’s landmark Maiden Voyage, one of the most popular albums in the history of jazz.

Over the ten years from 1964-74, Coleman freelanced as a member of various groups led by some of the music’s most prominent figures, including Lionel Hampton, Lee Morgan, Elvin Jones, Charles Mingus, Betty Carter, Chet Baker, Shirley Scott, Charles McPherson, Cedar Walton and many more. He also composed and arranged for various ensembles.

Since 1973 Coleman has focused primarily on his own groups, working in quartet, quintet and octet settings, adding the soprano saxophone to his arsenal in 1990. With those various groups the powerful saxophonist has become a prominent figure at festivals, prestigious concert halls and top clubs all over the U.S. and Europe, also performing as a special guest artist with such notable pianists as Ahmad Jamal, Hilton Ruiz, Richie Beirach and the late Tete Montoliu. He has recorded more than a dozen albums as leader for labels such as Verve, Muse, Timeless, Evidence, Birdology and most recently, Two and Four, not to mention plus countless recordings as a sideman.

For the past 30 years George has also been a major force in jazz education. In addition to his private teaching of advanced jazz techniques, he has also been a consultant and teacher at the New School University, Long Island University, New York University and Mannes School of Music, and has conducted workshops, seminars and master classes at universities all over the U.S.

A winner of numerous honors and awards, Coleman has twice been presented the Key to the City in his hometown, and in 1997 received the Jazz Foundation of America’s Life Achievement Award.

Despite his seemingly overwhelming schedule and commitments in jazz, Coleman has amassed formidable credits outside that scene as well.

Working briefly in the ‘60s with the outspoken and courageous actor/activist couple, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis marked an area of interest that would remain with him in the ensuing years. George performed on the soundtrack and appeared in Sweet Love, Bitter—the intriguing and disturbing 1967 film featuring Dick Gregory, based somewhat on the life of the idol of George’s youth, Charlie Parker. And he also appeared in Freejack, the 1992 science-fiction film with Emilio Estevez, Mick Jagger and Anthony Hopkins; and 1996’s Preacher’s Wife with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. He was also featured on the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s first film Joe’s Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads.

Television credits include Bill Cosby’s 1991 A&E special, Revue, as well as appearances on CBS’ The Guiding Light, and the venerable children’s show Captain Kangaroo.

A handsome and imposing figure, George has also amassed some significant modeling credits. In 1991, still photographs with pop icon Madonna appeared in major newspapers and magazines as part of the Truth or Dare! promotional campaign. And in 1997 he appeared in magazine layouts for The Preacher’s Wife. He’s also done fashion layouts for Ebony Magazine and Travel and Leisure.

George is still in full motion. His latest CD as co-leader, Four Generations of Miles with Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb and Mike Stern was released on Chesky Records in October 2002. He recently was heard on Joey DeFrancesco's 2006 release Organic Vibes.
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George Coleman: George Coleman with Strings

Read "George Coleman with Strings" reviewed by Jack Kenny

by Jack Kenny
September 2, 2025

The allure of recording with strings has captivated many jazz icons, from Stan Getz and Dizzy Gillespie to, most famously, Charlie Parker. For some, it is a pursuit of a different kind of respectability, an envying nod to the classical world. For George Coleman, a revered NEA Jazz Master, it was a chance to expand his artistry. As he explained in an interview with Rob Shepherd (2024): “I try not to be close-minded but instead try to expand my interest ...

Album Review

George Coleman: George Coleman with Strings

Read "George Coleman with Strings" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
August 31, 2025

Tenor saxophonist George Coleman decided to leave the orbit of trumpeter Miles Davis in 1964. Or he got an elbow to the ribs and a hip check to leave the quintet, to be replaced by Wayne Shorter in the saxophone slot. Three top-notch live albums came out of the group that featured Coleman: In Europe: Live at the Antibes Jazz Festival (1964); My Funny Valentine: In Concert (1965); and “Four and More:" In Concert (1966), all on Columbia Records. Add ...

Album Review

Deborah Silver: Deborah Silver with the Count Basie Orchestra: Basie Rocks!

Read "Deborah Silver with the Count Basie Orchestra: Basie Rocks!" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
June 19, 2025

Basie Rocks! A great idea? One best left on the cutting-room floor? Or perhaps a little of both? There are reasonable arguments to be made on all sides of the equation. On the one hand, this is the one and only Count Basie Orchestra, swinging in its own exceptional way. On the other, the orchestra has joined forces on every number with Mississippi-bred pop-rock singer Deborah Silver, the latest in a series of acclaimed guest vocalists that includes Ella Fitzgerald, ...

Album Review

Deborah Silver: Deborah Silver with the Count Basie Orchestra: Basie Rocks!

Read "Deborah Silver with the Count Basie Orchestra: Basie Rocks!" reviewed by Kyle Simpler

by Kyle Simpler
June 6, 2025

Jazz musicians frequently cover popular songs, but few do it quite like vocalist Deborah Silver. With Basie Rocks!, Silver teams up with the iconic Count Basie Orchestra for a genre-crossing collection that you truly have to hear to believe. This is a groove-charged big band album that reimagines classic rock and pop classics through the swinging lens of traditional jazz. While that premise might sound gimmicky on paper, the result is total sonic satisfaction. Produced by ...

Album Review

Yotam Silberstein: Standards Vol. 2

Read "Standards Vol. 2" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
June 2, 2025

On Standards Vol. 2 , guitarist Yotam Silberstein revisits the tradition with both reverence and invention, delivering a program of what he calls “lesser gems" -standards that have slipped through the cracks of overexposure yet hold depths still to be mined. With a lineup featuring bassist John Patitucci, drummer Billy Hart, and special guest tenor saxophonist George Coleman on one track, this album offers a thoughtful, rich journey into the overlooked corners of the jazz canon. ...

Liner Notes

One For All: Big George

by C. Andrew Hovan
February 9, 2025

The world has changed dramatically since the end of the 20th century, the time period when the jazz collective One For All began to forge their stamp on the history of hard bop. Using the club Augie's on New York's upper west side as their stomping grounds, the group would make their debut recording at the beginning of 1987. The Broadway club would eventually become home of Smoke, one of the gems of the city's jazz scene and continued purveyor ...

Extended Analysis

Miles In France 1963 & 1964: The Bootleg Series Vol. 8

by Doug Collette
November 8, 2024

At the very same time Beatlemania was slowly but surely beginning to engulf the globe, Miles Davis was inexorably proceeding toward what was the most adventurous music of his career. Miles In France -The Bootleg Series Vol. 8 captures a group of musicians led by “The Man with the Horn" on the threshold of forming what is referred to as his second great quintet, then actually coalescing into that stellar outfit. And the drama within that designation rapidly ...

Performance / Tour

Smoke Announces Concert Line-up For April Aka Jazz Appreciation Month As The Jazz Club Kickstarts Its 25th Anniversary Festivities

Source: AMT Public Relations
February 27, 2024

SMOKE Debuts: Nabaté Isles (Apr 3) and Walter Smith III (Apr 4-7); SMOKE’s 25th Anniversary Celebration: George Coleman and Special Guests (Apr 10-14); Ode to Joe: Celebrating the Music of Joe Henderson (Apr 17-21); Jacky Terrasson Trio (Apr 24-28) SMOKE Jazz Club is thrilled to present the first of many 25th anniversary celebrations starting with George Coleman and special guests (Apr 10-14). NEA Jazz Master George Coleman opened the doors to SMOKE in April 1999, then christened its newly renovated ...
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Recording

Pianist/Composer Marcus Persiani 'The Proper Time' Features George Coleman, Wayne Escoffrey And More!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations
October 6, 2023

Marcus Persiani is a pianist, composer and arranger who has performed and toured with many luminary musicians throughout his career. First influenced by the sound of Debussy's melodies echoing from the piano through his home, he was drawn to jazz greats like Herbie Hancock, Ahmad Jamal, and McCoy Tyner. His journey has taken him from Chicago's vibrant musical scene to New York's artistic hub. While sharing the stage with such artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach and Tito Puente, and ...
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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: George Coleman

Source: Michael Ricci
March 8, 2023

All About Jazz is celebrating George Coleman's birthday today!

Event

World-Renowned Smoke Jazz Club Celebrates Its Highly Anticipated Reopening And Expansion

Source: AMT Public Relations
June 8, 2022

SMOKE Grand Reopening Concert Celebration George Coleman Quartet plus special guest Peter Bernstein: George Coleman (tenor saxophone), Peter Bernstein (guitar), Davis Whitfield (piano), Peter Washington (bass), and Joe Farnsworth (drums). Thu-Sun, July 21-24, 2022, sets at 7:00 p.m. + 9:00 p.m. and additional 10:30 p.m. (Fri & Sat only). Doors open at 5:00 p.m. SMOKE 2751 Broadway New York, NY 10025 212-864-6662 In-Person $40-$60. Livestream $10. Tix go on sale June 6, 2022. For more information, please ...
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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: George Coleman

Source: Michael Ricci
March 8, 2022

All About Jazz is celebrating George Coleman's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: George Coleman

Source: Michael Ricci
March 8, 2021

All About Jazz is celebrating George Coleman's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: George Coleman

Source: Michael Ricci
March 8, 2020

All About Jazz is celebrating George Coleman's birthday today!

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: George Coleman

Source: Michael Ricci
March 8, 2019

Performance / Tour

Legendary Saxophonist George Coleman Coming to the Jazz Standard October 25th thru 28th, 2012.

Source: Two for the Show Media
September 7, 2012

George Coleman would be a legendary figure in jazz for his crucial role in the Miles Davis Quintet of 1963-64, even if he'd never recorded a string of fine albums as a leader. Coleman fans have heard him most often in an acoustic setting with longtime Memphis running partner, pianist Harold Mabern. But this week at Jazz Standard, the sagacious tenor man explores his rare-groove side in the company of hard-hitting organist Mike LeDonne and fleet-fingered guitarist Russell Malone. “The ...
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Performance / Tour

George Coleman Quintet @ The Jazz Standard in NYC - February 3 - 6, 2011

Source: Two for the Show Media
January 26, 2011

Thursday—Sunday February 3׬, 2011 GEORGE COLEMAN QUINTET at The Jazz Standard—NYC

George Coleman—tenor saxophone Larry Goldings—Hammond B-3 organ Peter Bernstein—guitar George Coleman Jr.—drums Daniel Sadownick—percussion

“George Coleman is a marvel," wrote The New Yorker. “There isn't a saxophonist who knows his instrument better, or one who imparts so much knowledge in every marathon solo." Born in 1935 in Memphis, TN, George worked with Max Roach and Slide Hampton ...
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