R.I.P. Jackie McLean

Saddened to read today that we've lost another of the giants, Jackie McLean. One of Bird's most prominent disciples, a vet of sessions by Miles, Mingus, and Blakey, and leader in his own right.

There are numerous records he played on that I treasure, but foremost are his Blue Notes of the early to mid 1960s, when he took his bebop roots and the innovations of Ornette Coleman, and fused them into some of the greatest inside/outside records in the history of jazz. The likes of Let Freedom Ring and Destination... Out! are magnificent documents, completely of their time yet timeless.

He continued to record, but the most important legacy of his last 35 years was his extensive involvement in jazz education, as well as the great example he set, kicking the heroin addiction that plagued the early years of his career and evolving into a kind and selfless teacher and role model for young musicians.

I've been playing his music all day. What a tremendous loss.

I read now, i've been playing "Let freedom ring".
bye

it's been four years now... the time passes by so quick, but Jackie will never be forgotten.