JACKIE MCLEAN
4, 5 And 6 (Original Jazz Classics)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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What can I say. I love the sound of Jackie McLean's alto saxophone, especially up to about 1961 when he began adopting many free elements of jazz in his playing. 4, 5 And 6 was recorded in 1956 when McLean was 24 years old. Already he was playing with the confidence and chops of a seasoned veteran.

This recording features McLean in a quartet, quintet, and sextet, hence the title. Mal Waldron is on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Arthur Taylor on drums. The addition of Donald Byrd on trumpet creates the quintet and Hank Mobley on tenor completes the sextet. All the playing on this recording is first rate, of the highest quality.

McLean plays a full alto, with all the urgency of a dying man trying to squeeze a few more minutes of joy before his life's over. Though influenced by Charlie Parker, McLean's playing is all his own. His timing is impeccable and his sense of harmony exquisite. He conveys feelings superbly, especially when feeling the blues.

On this recording, plays 3 ballads and originals by Parker, Waldron, and Kenny Drew. McLean smokes on the up tempo numbers but downright seethes on the slower ones. His soulful solos on "Sentimental Journey", "Why Was I Born," and "When I Fall In Love" are almost perfect. It's obvious that everyone who played on this session had wonderful chemistry and the music flat-out swings.

If you want to discover Jackie McLean or are an existing fan but haven't heard this recording, rush out and buy this cd. Music this good begs to be played repeatedly. Definitive!

© 2000 - Ron Saranich