[SACD-R][OF] Jackie McLean - Capuchin Swing - 1960/2008 (Hard Bop)

This is pure exceptional hard bop by Jackie McLean with Blue Mitchell, Walter Bishop, Jr., Paul Chambers & Art Taylor with all the wonderful elements of any classic Blue Note album: memorable compositions, strong solos & great feeling. But Capuchin Swing also finds the great alto saxophonist looking toward new frontiers with the harmoically edgy “Francisco.”

AllMusic:
One of Jackie McLean’s more underrated albums from a plethora of Blue Note releases, 1960’s Capuchin Swing finds the bebop alto saxophonist in fine form on a mix of covers & originals. While his future fascination with Ornette Coleman’s free-form innovations can be sensed in some of the solos here, the majority of the album is in a classic hard bop vein. Like contemporaries Hank Mobley, Sonny Clark, & Lee Morgan, though, McLean doesn’t just churn out pat jam-session fare, but comes up with consistently provocative charts & solos. Eschewing ballads, McLean focuses on mid- to fast-tempo swingers & blues. Standouts include originals like “Francisco” & “Condition Blue” & choice renditions of “Just for Now” & “Don’t Blame Me.” McLean enlists a sparkling lineup of hard bop stars, Mitchell particularly impresses, matching many of McLean’s own inspired flights with his supple & progressive playing. Along with other fine Blue Note titles like Jackie’s Bag & Bluesnik, Capuchin Swing makes for a great introduction to McLean’s extensive catalogue.