DSD - Direct Stream Digital - czysty analog!
This CD reissue begins with what is titled "Take 1" of "A Long Drink of the Blues." After a false start, the musicians argue for two minutes about the tempo; why was this ever released?. "Take 2" is a much more successful 20-minute jam featuring Jackie McLean (doubling on alto and tenor), trombonist Curtis Fuller, trumpeter Webster Young, pianist Gil Coggins, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Louis Hayes. The second half of this reissue is from a quartet session that showcases McLean on three standard ballads with pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Arthur Phipps, and drummer Art Taylor. Although not quite as intense as McLean's later Blue Note dates, the ballad renditions show just how mature and original a soloist he was even at this early stage. Despite "Take 1," this CD is worth getting. ~ Scott Yanow Recorded in February & August, 1957. Personnel: Jackie McLean (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Webster Young (trumpet); Curtis Fuller (trombone); Gil Coggins, Mal Waldron (piano); Louis Hayes, Art Taylor (drums).