Essence All Stars Jackies Blues Bag: A Tribute To Jackie Mclean CD

Jackie's Blues Bag finds the Essence All Stars turning in good, if unremarkable, performances of such Jackie McLean staples as "Bluesnik," "Dr. Jackle," "Dr. Mac Jackie," "Midtown Blues," "Blues Fable" and "Ballad for Doll." The music isn't as adventurous as McLean's own performances, but it's good, straight-ahead hard bop. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Of all of the multi-artist tribute sets released by Hip Bop to date, this is the most exciting one thus far. Altoist Jackie McLean is one of the living giants of jazz, so a group of mostly younger saxophonists, along with a top-notch rhythm section (led by the underrated pianist LaMont Johnson, who was in McLean's group during 1964-68), are heard performing six McLean originals (mostly blues), plus Johnson's brief trio ballad "Dr. Mac Jackie." Branford Marsalis is in top form during his two appearances (which include a version of "Bluesnik" that has New Orleans parade rhythms and an outing on soprano during "Dr. Jackle"), tenor great Joe Lovano's rendition of "Blues Inn" is a fiery duet with drummer Idris Muhammad, and altoist Abraham Burton comes closest to emulating McLean's distinctive sound on the lyrical "A Ballad for Doll"; also featured are altoists Justin Robinson, Donald Harrison and Vincent Herring and tenors Craig Handy and Javon Jackson on one song apiece. In reality, every selection is successful, not only paying homage to Jackie McLean but making one feel optimistic about the future of jazz. A particularly memorable project. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded in October 1996. Includes liner notes by Craig Handy, Milan Simich, Joe Lovano, LaMont Johnson, Javon Jackson, Rodney Whitaker, Abraham Burton, Vincent Herring, Idris Muhammad and Justin Robinson.

Trib.To Jackie Mclean

Personnel: Branford Marsalis (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Donald Harrison, Abraham Burton, Justin Robinson , Vincent Herring (alto saxophone); Craig Handy, Javon Jackson, Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone); LaMont Johnson (piano); Idris Muhammad (drums).

Recording information: Big House Studios "Blues Inn" (10/1996); Clinton Recording (10/1996).

Photographers: Chris Cassidy; Corey Sipkin; Michael Banks.

Unknown Contributor Role: David Weiss .

Arranger: Milan Simich.

Essence All Stars: Branford Marsalis (soprano & tenor saxophones); Abraham Burton, Donald Harrison, Vince Herring, Justin Robinson (alto saxophone); Craig Handy, Javon Jackson, Joe Lovano (tenor saxophone); LaMont Johnson (piano); Rodney Whitaker (bass); Idris Muhammad (drums).

Down Beat (8/97, p.56) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...the tunes are smartly arranged by producer Milan Simich, and the blues emphasis doesn't lead to a letdown..."
JazzTimes (6/97, p.105) - "...heartfelt tribute...supremely executed with imaginative interpretations, feverish solos and vigorous immediacy....JACKIES BLUES BAG is one of those rare tributes that not only deserves, but demands, continuous play."