JAZZ SPOTLIGHT

JACKIE McLEAN

“The Jackie Mac Attack Live”

Birdology

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There’s no mistaking altoist McLean, who is startling, both for his prodigious technique and his completely original sound. At times as tart as a bite into a lemon, the jazz great’s tone also can be as in-your-face as an angry customer demanding a refund or as comforting as a heavy blanket on a chilly fall night.

This six-tune assemblage, recorded in Belgium in April, 1991, takes us on a tour of McLean’s musical world. Once a strict be-bopper--an attitude represented by a ferociously fast version of his early ‘50s opus “Minor March,” or Monk’s “ ‘Round Midnight”--the altoist now embraces more expansive realms, exemplified here by his swaying “Five,” and “Dance Little Mandessa” by his son, Rene.

On this recording, McLean ultimately approaches each of these numbers, as exuberant and volatile as they may be, with a sublime melodic sense. His solos are replete with ideas that at first seem shouted, but, on closer observation, prove to have been sung.

Accompanied with elan by pianist Hotep Idris Galeta, bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Carl Allen, this album demonstrates that McLean, who has made teaching young musicians a priority, remains a master improviser.

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