Comment: Jackie McLean

Doug,

I was really saddened to hear about his passing. Huge inspiration to me as a young player. I'd toss the following into your list (see below). I've always had a preference for the records that were a little more angular and less Blue Note-boogalocentric.

Bluesnik
(includes great playing by Pete LaRoca)

4 5 6
(excellent earlier McLean, with great versions of "Why Was I Born" and "Sentimental Journey"--showing a knack for Sonny Rollins-like sense of phrasing. Album has solid contributions for Mal Wadron and Mobley too! Listen closely, Art Taylor's hi-hat pedal needs to be oiled)

Right Now!
(Especially notable for Clifford Jarvis' s hard-swinging drumming and McLean's tune "Eco", burning!)

I'd also throw in the curveball of the 1967 session Demon's Dance
(which features Woody Shaw, Jack DeJohnette and two great tunes: Shaw's "Sweet Love of Mine" and the gorgeous ballad "Toyland").

Tim DuRoche