There are many jazz albums released this year with more complicated harmonies and more surprising performances than George Coleman’s Live at Smalls Jazz Club, but ultimately, I care about playability and Coleman delivers that in spades. This is the culmination of honing a craft for 3/4 of a century: fluidity, command, and pure joy from reed to bell.
Coleman's album: YES. I have had it on repeat play in the truck for three weeks. Just a beauty from a great old timer who is perpetually underrated.