Jackie Mclean

Play Radio
Listen to Jackie Mclean Radio, featuring artists like Kenny Dorham, Johnny Griffin, Tina Brooks, Hank Mobley and more…

444,715 plays (78,261 listeners)

Shop now at Amazon | Send Jackie Mclean Ringtones to Cell
Buy
Add to my Library

New York City (1931 – 2006)

John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean (May 17, 1931 – March 31, 2006; some sources give 1932 as his year of birth) was an American jazz alto saxophonist and educator, born in New York City. His early recordings as leader were in the hard bop school. He later became an exponent of modal jazz and avant-garde jazz without abandoning his foundation in hard bop. Throughout his career he was known for his distinctive tone (often described with such adjectives as withering, piercing, or searing), his slightly sharp pitch, and a strong foundation in blues.

His father, John Sr., who died in 1939, played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw’s orchestra. After his father’s death, his musical education was continued by his godfather, by his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from neighbours Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. During high school he played in a band with Kenny Drew, Sonny Rollins, and Andy Kirk, Jr. (the tenor saxophonist son of Andy Kirk).

He recorded with Miles Davis, on Davis’ Dig album, when he was 19 years old. Rollins played on the same album. As a young man McLean also recorded with Gene Ammons, Charles Mingus, George Wallington, and as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers (he reportedly joined the Jazz Messengers after being punched by the notoriously violent Mingus and, fearing for his life, brandished a knife and contemplated stabbing him).
Read more… Edit bio

Popular tags: , , , ,  See more

Share this artist:

Top Albums

See more

Top Tracks

1
86
2
76
3
74
4
67
5
59
6
47
7
46
8
38
9
32
10
23
10  
23
10  
23
13
22
13
22
15
20
Buy all tracks at Amazon MP3
See more

Shoutbox

Leave a comment. Log in to Last.fm or sign up (it’s free).

  • Barcida

    Genial!!!

    last month

  • ashleyrobb

    http://www.last.fm/music/Jackie+McLean/+images/71673900 vote this up- its badass

    December 2011

  • Druid66

    Not a big sax fan per se, unless it's used well, and this guy uses it very well.

    September 2011

  • bainer

    respect.

    September 2011

  • Theeboon

    New Wine In Old Bottles (1978) > Hank Jones (p), Ron Carter (b), Tony Williams (d)

    September 2011

  • koolkeef

    love him. destination out, let freedom ring, 'bout soul, a fickle sonance...so many great albums, and i've barely penetrated his discography

    April 2011

  • Privatelang

    Just got "4, 5, And 6"....excellent album. Very glad to have it.

    March 2011

  • lot32

    Amazing

    March 2011
See all 25 shouts

Videos

Listening Now

Top Listeners

See more

More Information

Links
Labels

Email Newsletter

Universal Music Group Get exclusive tour, release & promotion updates on Jackie Mclean from Universal Music.