![]() ![]() He was under contract with Blue Note Records from 1959 to 1967, having previously recorded for Prestige. Consequently, he produced an extensive body of recorded work in the 1950s and 1960s. McLean was a heroin addict throughout his early career, and the resulting loss of his New York City cabaret card forced him to undertake a large number of recording dates to earn income in the absence of nightclub performance opportunities. Throughout his career he was known for a distinctive tone, akin to the tenor saxophone and often described with such adjectives as "bitter-sweet", "piercing", or "searing", a slightly sharp pitch, and a strong foundation in the blues. He later became an exponent of modal jazz without abandoning his foundation in hard bop. McLean's early recordings as leader were in the hard bop school. Fearing for his life, McLean pulled out a knife and contemplated using it against Mingus in self-defense, but later stated that he was grateful that he had not stabbed the bassist. McLean joined Blakey after reportedly being punched by Mingus. As a young man he also recorded with Gene Ammons, Charles Mingus (for Pithecanthropus Erectus), George Wallington, and as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. ![]() (the saxophonist son of Andy Kirk).Īlong with Rollins, McLean played on Miles Davis' Dig album, when he was 20 years old. ![]() During high school McLean played in a band with Kenny Drew, Sonny Rollins, and Andy Kirk, Jr. He also received informal tutoring from neighbors Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. After his father's death in 1939, Jackie's musical education was continued by his godfather, his record-store-owning stepfather, and several noted teachers. His father, John Sr., played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw's orchestra. John Lenwood " Jackie" McLean (– March 31, 2006) was an American jazz alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator, and is one of the few musicians to be elected to the DownBeat Hall of Fame in the year of their death. ![]()
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