Jackie McLean | Artist

John Lenwood "Jackie" McLean was an American jazz alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator, born 1931 in New York City. McLean's father, John Sr., played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw's orchestra and after his father's death in 1939, Jackie's musical education was continued by his godfather, his record-store-owning stepfather, and several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell and Charlie Parker. During high school McLean played in a band with Kenny Drew and Sonny Rollins. Along with Rollins, McLean played on Miles Davis' Dig album (1956), when he was 20 years old. As a young man he also recorded with Gene Ammons, Charles Mingus (on Pithecanthropus Erectus), and as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. McLean's early recordings as leader were in the hard bop school. He later became an exponent of modal jazz without abandoning his foundation in hard bop. Throughout his career he was known for a distinctive tone, akin to the tenor saxophone and often described with such adjectives as "bitter-sweet", "piercing", or "searing", a slightly sharp pitch, and a strong foundation in the blues. Standout albums include Let Freedom Ring (1963), One Step Beyond (1964), Destination Out! (1964), Right Now! (1966), Action (1967), New and Old Gospel (1968) and Demon's Dance (1970). Plus there have been many excellent live and archival compilations of his work. In 1970, McLean and his wife, Dollie McLean, along with jazz bassist Paul Brown, founded the Artists Collective Inc. of Hartford, an organisation dedicated to preserving the art and culture of the African Diaspora. It provides educational programs and instruction in dance, theatre, music and visual arts.

Artist Website: wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackie_McLean

Featured Albums: Jackie McLean

Related Artists: Jazz Messengers

Video Clips: Jackie McLean on Mars, Round Midnight, Passion Dance