Saturday, November 14, 2009

Jackie McLEAN - Demon's Dance 1967


Jackie McLEAN - Demon's Dance 1967

Jazz

Demon's Dance was Jackie McLean's final album for Blue Note, closing out an amazing streak of creativity that's among the more underappreciated in jazz history. The record retreats a bit from McLean's nearly free playing on New and Old Gospel and 'Bout Soul, instead concentrating on angular, modal avant bop with more structured chord progressions. The whole session actually swings pretty hard, thanks to drummer Jack DeJohnette, who manages that feat while maintaining the busy, kinetic style McLean had favored since Tony Williams' appearance on One Step Beyond. Pianist Lamont Johnson and bassist Scott Holt both return from New and Old Gospel, and trumpeter Woody Shaw is in especially fiery, muscular form, rivaling the leader in terms of soloing impact and contributing two of the six compositions. McLean's originals tend to be the most intriguing, though; there's the angular title track, the bright, up-tempo "Floogeh," and the spacious ballad "Toyland," a warm, soft piece anchored by Johnson that runs counter to typical descriptions of the impressions McLean's tone creates. While Demon's Dance didn't quite push McLean's sound the way its two predecessors had, there was no sign that the altoist was beginning to run out of creative steam. Unfortunately, Blue Note's ownership change and resulting commercial direction meant the end of McLean's tenure with the label, and ultimately the prime of his career; he would resume recording five years later, often with rewarding results, but nonetheless, Demon's Dance marks the end of an era. (U.S. CD re-issue in 2006)
By Steve Huey. AMG.
**
"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.
By Swing King.
**
Jackie McLean (Alto Saxophone);
Woody Shaw (Trumpet);
LaMont Johnson (Piano);
Scott Holt (Bass);
Jack DeJohnette (Drums)
**
01. Demon's Dance 7:10
02. Toyland 5:24
03. Boo Ann's Grand 6:59
04. Sweet Love Of Mine 6:05
05. Floogeh 5:23
06. Message From Trane 5:29
**
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