Although he wasn't maintaining the same nonstop pace he had in the early '60s, Jackie McLean still played magnificently throughout the 1980s. He demonstrated that repeatedly on this 1986 duo date with pianist Mal Waldron, whose lovely countermelodies, complementary solos, darting phrases, and supporting accompaniment proved a perfect contrast to McLean's forays. He is lyrical and engaging on some tracks; his explosive side emerges on others, where the McLean whose alto seemed ready to disintegrate on such sets as Action or A Fickle Sonance charges to the fore, hitting upper register home runs and ripping through the notes. It's good to know that McLean could still summon that drive. - Ron Wynn
Tracks
01. Left Alone (Eric Dolphy/Billie Holiday/Mal Waldron)
02. God Bless the Child (Billie Holiday/Arthur Herzog, Jr)
03. All of Me (Gerald Marks/Seymour Simons)
04. Catwalk (Mal Waldron)
05. Lover Man (Jimmy Davis/Roger ''Ram'' Ramirez/Jimmy Sherman)
06. Minor Pulsation (Mal Waldron)
07. Good Morning Heartache (Ervin Drake/Dan Fisher/Irene Higginbotham)
08. All Alone (Mal Waldron)
09. Super Okra Blues (Jackie McLean)
10. Left Alone (Eric Dolphy/Billie Holiday/Mal Waldron)
JACKIE McLEAN alto saxophone
MAL WALDRON alto saxophone
HERBIE LEWIS bass
EDDIE MOORE drums
Recorded September 1, 1986 at "U-Port" Kan-I-Hoken Hall, Tokyo
Paddle Wheel - K28P 6453