Paul Chambers (with bass), Sonny Clark, Francis Wolff (background), Art Farmer (trumpet), and Jackie McLean (alto saxophone) during rehearsal for Clark's Cool Struttin' LP released 1958 (photos by Francis Wolff)

Jackie McLean - It's Time, 1965.

Cover design by Reid Miles.

Photo by Francis Wolff.

Donald Byrd: The Trumpet Maestro and Jazz Innovator

Introduction: Donald Byrd, a name synonymous with brilliance in jazz, left an indelible mark on the genre as a virtuoso trumpeter, composer, and educator. Born ninety-one years ago today on December 9, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, Byrd’s musical journey was nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days playing in the hard bop era to later embracing fusion and funk influences, Byrd’s…

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今日のおはジャズ「Swing Swang Swingin'」Jackie McLean '59

ちょっと荒っぽくて、同じパーカー・リックを連発する…って印象のマクリーンですが、たまにめっちゃ聴きたくなります。日々クールジャズだのコンテンポラリー・レーベルだのを聴いてると、こういうブルーノートのヴァンゲルダー・サウンドに身を委ねたくなります。

で、昨日深夜に久々にフレディ・レッドの「The Connection」を聴いたら、自分の印象を吹き飛ばす勢いでとても良くて、今朝もマクリーン祭り。このアルバムは有名曲ばかりで、タイトル通りスイングしまくりで楽しく聴けます。コルトレーン4のイメージが強いギャリソンがベースなのも興味深いです。至って堅実な演奏ですが。

アルトを吹くにしても、自分はこうはならないし、こうなろうとも思ってないのですが、テナーのデクスターと同じで、真逆に居る憧れの存在…という感じです。

ブルーノートを中心に多くのアルバムを残してるマクリーンですが、やはり値が高騰しつつあります。これはたまたま安く買えたのだと思います。あまり必死にならず、お買得商品を見つけたらまた買う…ってスタンスで行こうかと思います。

Jackie McLean in a more straight forward, but no less engaging session with Blue Note friends.

A Tone Poet album I started listening to in no small part because the Hieronymus Bosch-like cover grabbed my attention 😂 the music inside is a little less demonic than the art and title might suggest, but still a fiery and mysterious set of post bop songs. This is my exact sweet spot with jazz, just out there enough without launching into free jazz. Jackie McLean and Woody Shaw are great enough on the horns, but the whole rhythm section is straight fire—who drums like Jack DeJohnette?

Jackie McLean: Destination Out!

Jazz is a happy thing and there are a lot of musicians around waiting to give a little happiness to a world filled with so much unrest. Jackie McLean“Destination Out!” (Blue Note Records, 1964/2022)

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Jackie McLean — Rites Of Passage. 1991 : Triloka.

! acquire the album ★ attach a coffee !

Jackie McLean, Let Freedom Ring, 1963.

Design by Reid Miles. Photo by Francis Wolff.

Exploring the Depths of Jazz: Jackie McLean's "Bluesnik"

Introduction: A Sonic Canvas Unveiled In jazz, certain albums stand as timeless artifacts, capturing the spirit, innovation, and virtuosity of an era. Alto saxophonist Jackie McLean’s “Bluesnik” is undoubtedly one of these treasures, a masterpiece that not only showcases the brilliance of its creator but also paints a vivid portrait of the hard bop landscape in the early 1960s. The Birth of…

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Daily Listening, Day #1,046 - November 11th, 2022

Album: Right Now! (Blue Note, 1966)

Artist: Jackie McLean

Genre: Post-Bop

Track Listing: 

"Eco"

"Poor Eric"

"Christel's Time"

"Right Now"

Favorite Song: "Poor Eric"

While exploring jazz recommendations I stumbled upon Eric Dolphy „Out to lunch!” album. As great as it is, I was particularly enamoured with Bobby Hutcherson’s presence. His vibe playing (those „suspended” notes!) makes all the difference. Looking for more of him, I’ve found another masterpiece of avant/post bop jazz: Jackie McLean „Destination… out!”, where Bobby is doing his magic, giving the album a mysterious atmosphere. Now it’s time for another one. And what a gem it is! Grachan Moncur III „Evolution”. It may be the best of them all, or at least a more than worthy companion. Bobby’s trademark „floating” notes are here in spades, but it seems his style inspired Moncur to build the whole composition this way. The title track is based on long, suspended notes, repeated again and again by several players along with Bobby - very dark and ominous tune. Brilliant! I also love the soundstage, with the drums/trumpet on the right, sax/trombone on the left, and vibes/bass in the middle. In my mind, positioning the drums like this suggests they are more like one of the leading instruments, and indeed Williams’ playing is very imaginative, far from being just a timekeeper. As a result it’s probably my favourite jazz album drum-wise ever! And I have an impression it’s somewhat obscure, compared to the other two 🤔So, If you like the abovemntioned albums, grab this one too, and thank me later :)

Haven’t listened to enough alto players over the years, something I’m rectifying now. I remember thinking Jackie McLean was good, but man, I was missing out! This whole band is not here to mess around... 

https://escapistblogmusic.wordpress.com/2023/03/04/a-long-drink-of-the-blues-by-jackie-mclean/