Uploaded September 2017 | Updated September 2026, 13 minutes ago
In this installment of Jazz, Period., we hear Al McLean on alto, a somewhat rare occurrence. McLean's conception of the alto saxophone draws on different influences than his usual offerings on tenor, hearkening the Bebop voices of Cannonball Adderley and Sonny Stitt. Indeed, the instrument McLean is playing, a Conn transitional 6M, dates to 1932, further conjuring a period vibe.
The Conn 6M was the preferred horn of Charlie Parker, and this same model can be seen in period footage of the Duke Ellington reed section circa 1930's.
Another ingredient enhancing the period feel of this recording is the use of a 1930's Art Deco ribbon microphone by Rauland, which captures the sparkling alto voice with a silky smoothness.
McLean is joined by veterans Geoff Lapp (piano), and Andre White (drums), two stalwart pillars of the storied Montreal Jazz scene. Rounding off the quartet is the talented Mike De Masi on Bass.
The tune is by Eric Dolphy; "Serene" is a seldom played ballad, so capturing this performance was considered important by the artist.
In this installment of Jazz, Period., we hear Al McLean on alto, a somewhat rare occurrence. McLean's conception of the alto saxophone draws on different influences than his usual offerings on tenor, hearkening the Bebop voices of Cannonball Adderley and Sonny Stitt. Indeed, the instrument McLean is playing, a Conn transitional 6M, dates to 1932, further conjuring a period vibe.
The Conn 6M was the preferred horn of Charlie Parker, and this same model can be seen in period footage of the Duke Ellington reed section circa 1930's.
Another ingredient enhancing the period feel of this recording is the use of a 1930's Art Deco ribbon microphone by Rauland, which captures the sparkling alto voice with a silky smoothness.
McLean is joined by veterans Geoff Lapp (piano), and Andre White (drums), two stalwart pillars of the storied Montreal Jazz scene. Rounding off the quartet is the talented Mike De Masi on Bass.
The tune is by Eric Dolphy; "Serene" is a seldom played ballad, so capturing this performance was considered important by the artist.
