George Coleman

George Coleman is a legendary jazz tenor saxophonist whose soulful, blues-tinged sound has made him a respected figure in the genre since the 1960s. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, he cut his teeth playing with icons like B.B. King and organist Jimmy Smith before joining Miles Davis’ quintet in 1963, contributing to classics like *Seven Steps to Heaven* and sharing stages with Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams. A master improviser with a warm, lyrical tone, Coleman’s career spans hard bop, post-bop, and soul-jazz, collaborating with greats like Chet Baker, Lee Morgan, and Cedar Walton. Now in his late 80s, he’s still a vibrant live performer, as heard on recent releases like *Live at Smalls Jazz Club* and *Queen Talk: Live at the Left Bank*—recordings that showcase his timeless knack for melodic storytelling and dynamic interplay. Whether revisiting standards on *My Foolish Heart* or stretching out on *Surfboard*, Coleman’s playing remains a bridge between jazz’s golden era and modern creativity.