Search - Jackie Mclean :: Demon's Dance

Dance with the demon in the pale moonlight....

Johnny Thursday | NYC Metro Area | 09/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I could go on and on about McLean's blue notes, as I have assembled a pretty complete collection of his dates and clutch sideman issues. He always plays with an edge, a tone that not all people dig (especially purists), and a searching concept that never leaves behind what Bud Powell taught him. He led many great bands of many great future stars, and this is another one. The first two tracks are the cream of this session. McLean's lead-off title composition on the record is a classic, and the second track a haunting low-key vehicle for his sound (Shaw doesn't solo). These tracks are arresting, and the rest is good but similar in execution to lots of other things he was doing around this time. They're not bad, they just don't grab you like the first two, and will likely deepen after repeated listens. If you like this stuff, I would check out the records he made with Charles Tolliver (It's Time, Action, Jacknife) which are my personal favorites."

Sweeping and expansive

Swing King | Cincinnati, OH USA | 04/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Demon's Dance" is a mesmerizing Jackie McLean and crew release, done for Blue Note in 1967. Accompanying Mclean are some skilled and practiced sidemen, including Woody Shaw (t), Lamont Johnson (p), Scott Holt (b) and Jack DeJohnette (d). Lamont Johnson and Scott Holt had worked frequently with Mclean in the past, providing wonderful rhythmic accompaniment. Mclean, a veteran of the Horace Silver Quintet and a collaborator with the late Eric Dolphy, shines through on alto sax on the title track especially.



"Toyland" is a stark and emotive piece, showcasing Jackie wooing listeners with a forlorn horn and featuring a superb solo by Lamont Johnson on piano. The slick fast beat of "Boo Ann's Grand", combined with the rich overtones of "Sweet Love of Mine" and the high gear gripping performance of McLean on "Floogeh" make the overall result of this session amazing. The final track on this date was "Message to Trane", clearly done in reference and tribute to the late John Coltrane. This Rudy Van Gelder Edition 24-bit remaster of McLean's 1967 album provides remarkable sound quality for listeners. Buy "Demon's Dance" today, you'll be glad that you did.

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