Alto Saxophone Master Jackie McLean: "Capuchin Swing"

Continuing in The Jazz Show's series of underrated recordings when they were first reviewed, this one is the most surprising as it is considered one of this artist's best and best loved dates. Alto saxophonist Jackie McLean's third album for Blue Note called "Capuchin Swing" is on tap tonight. Jackie McLean's Blue Note period is considered his best as he was now a mature artist rather that a "promising young talent". Capuchin Swing, named for the McLean Family's pet monkey was Jackie's third for Blue Note and deserved a far better treatment from the "esteemed" Jazz critics. Jackie is in full force here with a full bodied sound and some new ideas. Hid front line partner is the great trumpeter Blue Mitchell, who matured fast by working steadily with pianist Horace Silver's Quintet. Walter Bishop Jr. had been off the scene for a few years but was welcomed back on this date by Jackie and delivered two fine compositions and a trio track all to himself. Bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Arthur Taylor can't be beat and are perfect. Aside from Bishop's tunes, Jackie McLean wrote three new ones for this date including the title track. This is one of McLean's finest dates and the critic's that greeted it with disdain be damned!