Jackie McLean - A Ghetto Lullaby

1991 reissue

Within a five day period in 1973, altoist Jackie McLean, who had only made one album (a live set) between 1968-72, cut enough material for five records. This worthy set features his intense style in a quartet with pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Alex Riel, recorded live at Montmartre in Copenhagen. Although the material -- Drew's "Callin'," athe ballad "Where Is Love," a pair of William Gault songs and McLean's "Jack's Tune" -- is not all that memorable, the altoist's passionate solos and very distinctive sound uplift the music and make this an advanced hard bop set worth acquiring.

Scott Yanow