Jackie Mclean
Capuchin Swing

Just six months after the excellent ‘Swing Swang Swingin’, Jackie McLean recorded another gem ‘Capuchin Swing’, his third release on Blue Note in 14 months.  The line-up for this session is Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Paul Chambers (bass), Walter Bishop (piano) and drummer Art Taylor alongside alto saxophonist Jackie McLean.  The Latin barnstorming groove of ‘Francisco’ bristles propelled by Taylor’s potent skins work and Chambers’ hypnotic bassline.  Walter Bishop’s ‘Just For Now’ has an easy flow and gathers pace.  It feels free, bright and breezy, Bishop’s piano sizzles and Mitchell’s warm and soulful tone glows. The Dorothy Fields and Jimmy McHugh show tune ‘Don’t Blame Me’ is rendered in a straightforward bluesy manor.  No frills just a solid groove.   The punchy ‘Condition Blue’, the second McLean composition, is a tough, fast and somewhat furious Hard Bop tune.  Mitchell leads off with the kind of solo that graced many Horace Silver dates and then McLean attacks it with his customary angular muscularity.  His solo jumps, dances and improvises all over the place and is a definite highlight of the album.  Another highlight is the Latin flavoured ‘Capuchin Swing’ and it is Hard Bop at its best.  There is much akin to the aforementioned Horace Silver in its feel and vibe.  McLean’s presence is to the fore and Bishop’s rhythmic contribution drives the swing.  Mitchell’s playing should not be overlooked either as it soars over the rhythmic crescendo. Bishop’s second contribution ‘On The Lion’ is an archetypal Blue Note number.  The core rhythm section of Taylor and Chambers plus Bishop excel throughout.  ‘Capuchin Swing’ is a set that is amongst the finest Hard Bop albums Jackie McLean ever recorded.