This LP begins with what is titled "Take 1" of "A Long Drink of the Blues." After a false start, the musicians argue for two minutes about the tempo. "Take 2" is a much more successful 20-minute jam featuring
Jackie McLean (doubling on alto and tenor), trombonist
Curtis Fuller, trumpeter
Webster Young, pianist
Gil Coggins, bassist
Paul Chambers, and drummer
Louis Hayes. The second half of the LP is from a quartet session that showcases
McLean on three standard ballads with pianist
Mal Waldron, bassist
Arthur Phipps, and drummer
Art Taylor. Although not quite as intense as
McLean's later Blue Note dates, the ballad renditions show just how mature and original a soloist he was even at this early stage. Despite "Take 1," this LP is worth the price. ~ Scott Yanow