This is one of the great Jackie McLean albums. After nearly a decade away from recording, the veteran altoist teamed up with his son, René McLean (who triples on tenor, soprano, and flute), pianist Hotep Idris Galeta, bassist Nat Reeves, and drummer Carl Allen for a very passionate and high-powered live set. Whether it be originals by René (including "J. Mac's Dynasty") or Galeta, a very intense version of "A House Is Not a Home," or Jackie's "Bird Lives," this is dynamic and consistently exciting music. The go-for-broke solos (which transcend any easy categories) and Jackie's unique sharp tone make this an essential CD, one of the top recordings to be released in 1990. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Five (Jackie McLean)
02. Bird Lives (Jackie McLean)
03. House Is Not a Home (Burt Bacharach)
04. Third World Express (Stanley Wiley)
05. Dance Little Mandissa (René McLean)
06. J. Mac's Dynasty (René McLean)
07. Knot the Blues (Hotep Idris Galeta)
08. Zimbabwe (René McLean)
09. King Tut's Strut (Hotep Idris Galeta)
10.Multi-Woman (René McLean)
JACKIE McLEAN alto saxophone
NAT REEVES bass
CARL ALLEN drums
HOTEP IDRIS GALETA piano
RENÉ McLEAN tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Recorded November 5, 1988 at Paramount Studio M, Hollywood, CA
Triloka Records - 320181-2 Europe