Description
New Soil wasnt the first session Jackie McLean recorded for Blue Note, but it was the first one released, and as the title suggests, the first glimpses of McLeans desire to push beyond the limits of bop are already apparent. Theyre subtle, of course, and nowhere near as pronounced, as they would be in just a few years time, but as with the 1959 material later issued on Jackies Bag hints of Ornette Colemans stream-of-consciousness melodic freedom are beginning to find their way into McLeans improvisations. His playing is just a touch more angular than the ear expects, especially given the very bluesy nature of pieces like McLeans 11-minute vamp, Hip Strut, and pianist Walter Davis Jr.s infectious boogie-woogie Greasy. Colemans influence is most apparent on McLeans Minor Apprehension, where the freewheeling, Coleman-esque main theme is paralleled by trumpeter Donald Byrd in a definite nod to Don Cherry.
Jackie McLean, alto sax
Donald Byrd, trumpet
Paul Chambers, bass
Walter Davis Jr., piano
Pete LaRoca, drums
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