Jackie McLean: A Fickle Sonance

Jackie McLean's "A Fickle Sonance": Blue Note Brilliance Reborn on Vinyl

Jackie McLean's journey in jazz began in 1951 when he recorded "Dig" with Miles Davis, launching a career that would include significant stints with Charles Mingus and Art Blakey. Though initially drawing inspiration from Charlie Parker, McLean gradually developed his own distinctive voice characterized by irregular phrase lengths and a uniquely dark alto saxophone tone that often ventured into microtonal territory—playing deliberately sharp or flat. As his style evolved, he increasingly incorporated blues elements into his harmonic approach.

The Original Recording
Released in 1962 on Blue Note Records, "A Fickle Sonance" represents one of McLean's earlier creative ventures and his final recording for the legendary Blue Note label during this period. This session features an impressive lineup including Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Sonny Clark on piano, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums—a collective of musicians whose chemistry elevates the material throughout.

The 2020 UMG Pressing
Universal Music Group's 2020 pressing of this classic album brilliantly showcases McLean's signature musical style. His deep, dark tone comes through with remarkable fidelity, as do his quick, intense improvisational passages, lean but powerful musical statements, and distinctive bluesy harmonic choices.
The sonic presentation is exceptional—crisp, clean, clear, and deep accurately describe the impressive quality of this pressing. From the opening track onward, the recording brings to life all the elements that McLean's admirers have come to cherish about his playing and compositions.

Sound Quality Assessment
Pressed on 180g vinyl and mastered from the original analog tapes, this reissue delivers impressive audio quality that honors the original recording while enhancing the listening experience. The instrument separation is excellent, allowing each musician's contribution to be appreciated individually while still presenting a cohesive ensemble sound.

The pressing itself is remarkably quiet, with minimal surface noise to distract from the music. The dynamic range is impressive, capturing both the subtle nuances in McLean's playing and the energetic peaks during more intense passages.

The Verdict
For jazz enthusiasts, blues lovers, or anyone who appreciates masterful musicianship, Jackie McLean is an artist whose work demands attention. "A Fickle Sonance" represents an important chapter in his artistic development, and this particular recording reveals new layers with each listening session—both because of the exceptional musical skill displayed by each performer and the progressive, forward-thinking approach to the material.

You would be hard-pressed (pun now intended) to find a better version of this wonderful record. For collectors seeking to experience McLean's artistry at its finest, this UMG pressing represents an investment well worth making—a definitive edition of an essential jazz recording. 💰

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