Scorcher. Crucial Jackie Mac, with Pete La Roca also on top form.
‘Classic Vinyl Series.’

Japanese: GXK 8085.

Recorded between Let Freedom Ring and One Step Beyond, it’s presumably the laidback presence of HJ hero Sonny Clark — who also contributes half the compositions — which tips the scales away from JM’s more screwface, outward-bound trajectory, towards good-old-fashioned, limber, bluesy hard bop. Though a throwback, cancelled at the time (and shelved for twenty years), it’s downright classic Blue Note now.

‘Classic Vinyl Series.’

The rivetingly lucid, acrobatic expression of raw emotion characteristic of this altoist, fronting the same unit which had recently recorded Sonny Clark’s masterpiece Leapin’ And Lopin’, including Tommy Turrentine, Butch Warren and Billy Higgins.
Supposedly Clark came across the music of the opener knocking around Monk’s apartment. Amongst five JM originals, the title track shows how hard bop was too hip to sit still or look back. Sundu is a tasty Clark blues.

The more expensive new LP is in the all-analogue Blue Note 80 Vinyl series.

The flautist’s recording debut, originally released in 1969 on his own Asha label out of Washington DC, in an edition of five hundred copies.
LM is a poet, anthropologist and painter; a friend of Picasso from his time in Paris in 1965, who has worked with Nina Simone, Nana Vasconcelos, Ron Carter and Cecil McBee. In the 1960s he was involved in the civil rights movement.
This is deep, spiritual jazz, further nourished with the Latin, Brazilian and African rhythms learned during McNeil’s travels throughout Africa and Brazil (where he hooked up with Dom Salvador and Paulo Moura).
Lovingly presented with extensive sleeve notes, including an interview with Lloyd McNeill, besides exclusive photos. 180g vinyl, with a download code.

Nutritious jazz duets between flautist LM (who has worked with everyone from Nina Simone to Mulatu) and bassist Marshall Hawkins (who took over from Ron Carter for Miles, and played on Donny Hathaway’s Everything Is Everything, the year after this recording, in 1970). Engrossing, gorgeous, good for the soul. Warmly recommended.

The flautist with Nana Vasconceles, Dom Salvador, Portinho, Cecil McBee and co in 1980. Spiritual jazz with strong Brazilian flavours. Lovely stuff.