Earl Coleman

EARL COLEMAN - EARL COLEMAN RETURNS (1956)

1. Say It Isn't So
2. Reminiscing
3. Social Call
4. It's You Or No One
5. Come Rain Or Come Shine
6. No Love, No Nothin'
7. This Is Always
8. My Last Affair
9. Ghost Of A Chance
10. I Haven't Changed A Thing

Singer Earl Coleman, who had an early hit with "This Is Always" (cut with Charlie Parker in 1947), had a rather sporadic recording career. The music reissued on this CD (which adds four bonus cuts to the original Prestige LP) was, with the exception of a couple selections on Sonny Rollins and Elmo Hope albums, the singer's only recordings during 1949-1966 and (other than an obscure Atlantic album) his only sessions from 1949-1976. Coleman, who had a deep baritone voice influenced by Billy Eckstine, clearly deserved better. Although not an improviser, Coleman could swing, as he shows on these performances with the assistance of such fine players as trumpeter Art Farmer, altoist Gigi Gryce, and pianist Hank Jones; highlights include "It's You or No One," "Social Call," and a remake of "This Is Always." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide