Bluesnik

by Scott YanowThis is one of the most accessible of altoist Jackie McLean's Blue Note sessions, for the six songs, which have been augmented on this CD reissue by "new" alternate versions of "Goin' Way Blues" and "Torchin'," are all blues. McLean teams up with the fiery young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Pete La Roca for diverse originals by the leader, Drew, and Hubbard that all have the feeling (if not always the exact structure) of the blues. The variety of tempos, moods, and styles makes this a highly recommended set.