Monday, July 09, 2007

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-Jackie McLean


Artist:Jackie McLean

Song:Khalil The Prophet

Album:Destination...Out!





Alto sax player Jackie McLean was a great musician equally comfortable playing straight ahead bop or a more avant garde style. He was born May 17, 1932 in New York City, the son of guitarist John McLean. As a teen, he was friends with neighbours like Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk & Sonny Rollins. He made his recording debut in 1951 with Miles Davis and played in various bands in the 50s including a two year stint with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers. McLean really hit his stride with several Blue Note recordings of the 60s. 1963's Destination...Out! is a very strong recording with trombonist Grachan Moncur III as co-leader. Other musicians include Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Larry Ridley on bass and Roy Haynes on drums. It's a very adventurous recording. McLean left Blue Note in 1968 for the Danish label Steeplechase and like a lot of jazz musicians, went into teaching. With his son Rene on tenor sax, Jackie McLean made a big comeback in the 90s and continued to tour regularly until his death on Mar. 31, 2006 at age 73. All of Jackie McLean's Blue Note recordings from the 60s are worth checking out. Here's Jackie McLean with Freddie Redd, Michael Mattos & Steve Ritchie performing Who Killed Cock Robin? from the film version of the 1962 play The Connection.

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