"This set has all Jackie McLean's recordings as leader, between October, 1955 and December, 1957. These are exactly 12 complete recordings, in six CDs: "The new tradition" (Ad Lib); "lights out!" (Prestige); "4, 5 and 6" (Prestige); "'Jackie's Pal" (Prestige); "McLean's Scene" (New jazz); "Jackie McLean & Co." (Prestige); "Makin' the changes" (new jazz); "A long drink of the blues" (new jazz); "Strange Blues" (Prestige); "Bird Feathers" (new jazz); "Alto Madness" (prestige) and "Fat Jazz" (jubilee). The magnitude of these works is great. In those days wasn't able to play in live performances (because of drug's problems).
Mclean (who died at his home on March, 31st, 2006) was one of the best alto saxophone performers of the "second generation" and who were, at the beginning, greatly influenced by Parker. But, he quickly found his own voice. You can hear his progress in these recordings.
This is a true Memorial set; a great set. Of course if you are McLean's fan, this set is essential. The set has a little booklet with ten pages where you can read over each recording and Jackie's leader work during this period.
In these recordings McLean played with superb musicians such as Paul Chambers, Art Taylor, Mal Waldron, Hank Mobley, Elmo Hope, Philly Joe Jones or Donald Byrd to name a few. With a very nice presentation, very good sound quality, and enough information in the booklet (inner notes by John Knob), for me this is a set highly recommended for many jazz's fans. The set's price is really excellent, and the music... well, there is a lot of very good music of this McLean's period.
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1