JACKIE MCLEAN - NEW SOIL (180G 45RPM 2LP)

Jackie McLean New Soil on 180g 45RPM 2LP Set from Analogue Productions

Mastered from the Original Master Tapes and Cut by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at Acoustech

Part of Analogue Productions' Blue Note Reissue Series: Numbered and Limited to 2500 Copies

Absolutely Amazing Sound: Bluesy 1959 Set Sounds Incredible and Features All-Star Cast

New Soil wasn't the first session Jackie McLean recorded for Blue Note, but it was the first set that the label officially released. As the album's title suggests, the first glimpses of McLean's desire to push beyond the limits of bop are already apparent. They're subtle, of course, and nowhere near as pronounced as they would be in just a few years time. But, as with the material later issued on Jackie's Bag, hints of Ornette Coleman's stream-of-consciousness melodic freedom have begun to find their way into McLean's improvisations. 

Here, the saxophonist's playing is just a touch more angular than expected, especially given the very bluesy nature of pieces like McLean's 11-minute vamp "Hip Strut" and pianist Walter Davis Jr.'s infectious boogie-woogie "Greasy." Coleman's influence is most apparent on "Minor Apprehension," where the freewheeling main theme is paralleled by trumpeter Donald Byrd in a definite nod to Don Cherry. Exhilarating stuff, made even better by the presence of bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Pete LaRoca.

Part of Analogue Productions' incredible Blue Note reissue series, this pressing claims mastering from the original master tapes and cuttingat 45RPM by the infallible team of Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray, which did the deed at Acoustech. Add in amazingly clean 180g vinyl pressed at RTI, numbered and limited quantities, and gorgeous reproduction of the cover art--itself a classic--and you have a can't-miss jazz classic made even better. And yes, this is the same process and personnel Analogue Productions used on its critically acclaimed Fantasy Jazz reissue series, so you know the quality is top-notch.

A must-own for all audiophiles. Get your copy of New Soil from Music Direct today!

Jackie McLean New Soil Track Listing:

1.  Hip Strut
2.  Minor Apprehension
3.  Greasy
4.  Sweet Cakes
5.  Davis Cup