This attractive double LP contains the full contents of two
Jackie McLean albums:
Lights Out and
4, 5 and 6. On what was among the altoist's first sessions as a leader (he was 24),
McLean is heard on the earlier date playing two of his originals, three by trumpeter
Donald Byrd, and a swinging rendition of "A Foggy Day."
McLean is matched with
Byrd, pianist
Elmo Hope, bassist
Doug Watkins, and drummer
Art Taylor on that session, while the second half of this two-fer only has
Byrd on two of the six numbers including "Confirmation," which adds tenor saxophonist
Hank Mobley to the group; the rhythm section is
Watkins,
Taylor, and pianist
Mal Waldron.
McLean's ballad features on "Sentimental Journey," "Why Was I Born" and "When I Fall in Love" display his distinctive sound and rapidly maturing style. Never a mere
Charlie Parker imitator,
McLean was already developing his own adventurous style.