The last of the
Jackie McLean Prestige sessions, this LP has material from two different sets, but fortunately, the music is on a higher level than one might expect of "leftovers." "Strange Blues" is from a marathon quartet set that
McLean had with pianist
Mal Waldron, bassist
Arthur Phipps, and drummer
Art Taylor, as is a rendition of "What's New" that is an alternate version to the one included on
Makin' the Changes. In addition, "Disciples Love Affair" and "Millie's Pad" match
McLean with the tuba of
Ray Draper (who contributed both songs), trumpeter
Webster Young, pianist
John Meyers, bassist
Bill Salter, and drummer Larry Ritchie, while the incomplete "Not So Strange Blues" is all
McLean on an explosive blues with the rhythm section. A generally strong set chiefly recommended to
Jackie McLean completists. ~ Scott Yanow