Search - Jackie Mclean :: Capuchin Swing

Another fine Blue Note album from McLean

Dr.D.Treharne | Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom | 10/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chronologically next up after "Swing, Swang, Swinging", this album took McLean away from the standards of that album, into an altogether more varied programme, with three of his own compositions, two from pianist Walter Bishop Jnr, and the 'standard' "Don't blame me". The result is an excellent mixture of styles with Paul Chambers on bass and Art Taylor on drums holding it together, McLean, Blue Mitchell and Walter Bishop all get extended solos.McLean blows excellently throughout, and Mitchell is an excellent counterpoint to his style, particularly on the blues. Favourite tracks for me are "Francisco" which alternates harmonically static interludes with straight ahead blues choruses, and on which McLean plays some intense solos. There's also some bowed bass playing from Chambers which adds to the fusion."Condition Blue" gives the whole ensemble opportunities to solo, with Bishop and McLean swopping chops. "On the Lion" is a great staright ahead chance for each of the frontline to solo.The remastering is excellent and the CD is highly recommended as an example of McLeans work in transition. As usual, the advice is buy it now, before Blue Note delete it again!"

Proof that Jackie McLean doesn't know how to make bad music

Dr.D.Treharne | 10/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We all know that Jackie McLean made nothing but terrific albums for Blue Note during his first tenure there. Capuchin Swing, along with A Fickle Sonance, were two that I waited for at Tower till midnight so I could listen to it as soon as humanly possible. Jackie's tone is at it's peak, his ideas are constantly refreshing (40 years after it was recorded, even) and I cannot help but wonder why on earth more modern musicians aren't influenced by him. I own everything by Jackie, and hell, my band was even named after a quote in his liner notes to Let Freedom Ring. This is among the best McLean albums I own. Buy one for your home stereo, one for your car, and one for at work. You'll thank me later."