JACKIE MCLEAN / Let Freedom Ring

Let Freedom Ring is an album by jazz saxophonist Jackie McLean. Recorded and released in 1962, Jackie McLean’s album Let Freedom Ring includes « Melody for Melonae » which McLean dedicated to his daughter. McLean is joined by Walter Davis, Jr. on piano, Herbie Lewis on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums.

The slower-tempo performance on Let Freedom Ring is notable as being the first time that McLean used « provocative upper-register screams. » « Rene » and « Omega » are both blues-related pieces, the former with a standard twelve-bar structure and harmonies, the latter more abstract and modal. The one non-McLean track is Bud Powell’s ballad, « I’ll Keep Loving You. »

Newly-remastered for vinyl as part of an overall Blue Note 75th anniversary vinyl reissue campaign spearheaded by current Blue Note Records President, Don Was.

« The success of Let Freedom Ring paved the way for a bumper crop of other modernist innovators to join the Blue Note roster and, artistically, it still stands with One Step Beyond as McLean’s greatest work. » -Steve Huey, allmusic.com

Features:
• Vinyl LP
• Remastered & reissued as part of the Blue Note 75th Anniversary campaign
• Includes special Blue Note 75 vinyl sleeve that features album cover art for 75 Blue Note Titles
• First run pressings to include Blue Note 75th logo on back of package

Musicians:
Jackie McLean, alto saxophone
Walter Davis, piano
Herbie Lewis, bass
Billy Higgins, drums

Selections:
1. Melody For Melonae
2. I’ll Keep Loving You
3. Rene
4. Omega