Description

Even in the pantheon of great Blue Note albums, this is very good indeed. The opening "Melody for Melonae" sets the tone - a mournful opening section before the alto saxophonist unleashes chorus after blistering chorus prompted by a "pedal" from the bassist. Drummer Billy Higgins rattles away behind his kit as McLean soars majestically - the result sounding like something an Atlantic-era Ornette Coleman would have played had he had been a Hard Bopper. After a reprise of the second theme, pianist Walter Davis is released from his box as if he had never been allowed to solo before and matches hismore… leader with a couple of choruses that sound like un angular Bud Powell. Both the pianist and bassist Herbie Lewis are little known to me (although I think that Davis played on an early Ornette album) and equite themselves with full honours. Throughout the album, the cross rythmns supplied by Higgins are a constant delight. However, this record is really dominated by the acidic alto of the leader and the two blues that conclude the disc really burn. I love the witty "Rene" with Billy Higgins filling in the gaps in the phrases with aplomb. Some fans have commented on the sour quality of McLean's tone and on this disc he moves away from the Hard Bop traditions towards the then avant garde. The incendiary cries at the high extremes of the register are a million miles from his earlier work on albums such a Sonny Clarks' "Cool Strutting." This may not appeal to some more conservative listeners yet you can trace just how influencial this music of some of today's players such as Greg Osby. A very special record and one to treasure.

Tracks

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Info:

Category:

Music > Albums

Case Type:

CD

Release Type:

Retail

Comments:

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Cover Info:

Title:

Jackie McLean - Let Freedom Ring (2003) Retail CD

Part:

Front

Dimensions:

1432 x 1414 px

Size:

273 KB

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Report a Problem Wrong Cover Duplicate Image Bad Quality Wrong Info

27/12/08 by musicworld

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