Jackies Bag by Jackie McLean

07 Feb

Written by Mark Keresman
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In the future, when an alien race that lands here and starts sifting through the rubble.... if there’s any justice in the cosmos, they’ll find this platter as one of the quintessential examples of the Blue Note Records 1960s ethos/mythos. Not only was J. McLean at (or near - classic discs like Jacknife and One Step Beyond were to soon follow) the peak of his alto-madness powers (searing, tart tone with that distinctively passionate Cry), but his accompanists on the two sessions that comprise this album are among the players that helped define the BN sound: Philly Joe Jones, Kenny Drew, Donald Byrd and Sonny Clark (and they too were at or near their respective peaks). The tunes here, while not innovative, are paramount examples of BN hard bop: dark, slightly melancholy, dramatic and blues-tinged with hints of exoticism ("Medina," "Appointment In Ghana") and shadows of the avant/free music of the period (especially Ornette Coleman), put across with plenty of just-can’t-wait urgent swing. Of course, this digitally remastered version of Bag features three not-on-original-LP bonus tracks. Don’t let the aliens have all the fun - enjoy this ‘un in our time period.... while we can.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Jackie McLean
CD Title: Jackies Bag
Genre: BeBop / Hard Bop
Year Released: 2003
Reissue Original Release: 1961
Record Label: Blue Note
Musicians: J.McLean: alto sax; Donald Byrd, Blue Mitchell: trumpet; Tina Brooks: tenor sax; Kenny Drew, Sonny Clark: piano; Paul Chambers: bass; Art Taylor, Philly Joe Jones: drums. Rec. Jan. 1959 & Sept. 1960.
Label Website: http://www.bluenote.com
Rating: Four Stars