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Review 1
Jackie McLean posed for the cover of Capuchin Swing holding his pet Capuchin monkey. One could read this as an unsettling, gallows-humor reference to the monkey of addiction that afflicted the great altoist for decades. Thankfully, McLean would ultimately escape from that prison to become a leading figure in jazz education.
Despite his demons, McLean plays beautifully on this 1960 quintet date, backed by Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Walter Bishop, Jr. on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. Bishop's presence is particularly elevated. Not only does the pianist contribute "Just for Now" and "On the Lion," two melodic originals; he's also given the floor for a hip trio reading of the Fields-McHugh standard "Don't Blame Me." McLean's tunes make up the balance of the program: "Francisco" and "Condition Blue" are riveting blues-based workouts, while the title track puts a new spin on "Star Eyes" changes.
This is pure, exceptional hard bop by Jackie McLean with Blue Mitchell, Walter Bishop, Jr., Paul Chambers and Art Taylor with all the wonderful elements of any classic Blue Note album: memorable compositions, strong solos and great feeling. But Capuchin Swing also finds the great alto saxophonist looking toward new frontiers with the harmonically edgy "Francisco." The album appears on CD in the U.S. for the first time.  |
Players
Jackie McLean: Alto Saxophone; Blue Mitchell: Trumpet; Walter Bishop, Jr.: Piano; Art Taylor: Drums |
Tracks
1 Francisco
2 Just For Now3 Don't Blame Me
4 Condition Blue
5 Capuchin Swing
6 On The Lion |
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