Jackie McLean was one of the most distinctive alto saxophonists in jazz, emerging as a fiery voice of the bop era and evolving into a trailblazer of the avant-garde. Born in New York City in 1931, McLean was steeped in jazz from an early age, thanks in part to his father's connections to the likes of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller. By his teens, he was already a formidable talent, gigging and recording with the likes of Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, and Sonny Rollins. McLean's razor-sharp tone and acerbic attack made him a standout in the hard bop scene of the 1950s and 1960s.

His 1956 release "Lights Out!" and 1957's "4, 5 and 6" are examples of his virtuosic skill and innovative spirit within the hard bop idiom. McLean was a restlessly creative musician, always looking to push boundaries. This exploratory drive is evident on his 1963 album "One Step Beyond", which incorporated elements of the avant-garde without fully departing from the jazz tradition. His albums "Bluesnik" and "Let Freedom Ring" are also emblematic of his unique approach to composition and improvisation. Throughout his career, he was a revered and influential figure, and his work continued to evolve as he ventured into education, influencing myriad young musicians until his passing in 2006. His legacy is celebrated through the remastered releases of his classic records, such as the Rudy Van Gelder editions, ensuring new generations can experience the cutting edge sounds that made Jackie McLean a jazz legend.

Genres

Jazz Saxophone

Related Artists

Sonny Rollins

Art Blakey

Lee Morgan

Wayne Shorter

Dexter Gordon

Freddie Hubbard

Hank Mobley

Donald Byrd

Horace Silver

Kenny Dorham

Ornette Coleman

John Coltrane

Latest Release

Light's Out!

Jackie McLean

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released August 13, 2021