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Lights Out! ~ The Jackie McLean Quintet | By Eddie Carter

The Jackie McLean Quintet steps into this morning’s spotlight with a 1956 release, Lights Out! (Prestige PRLP 7035/PRST 7757). It was the alto saxophonist’s label debut, and a superb supporting cast joins him on this date, Donald Byrd on trumpet, Elmo Hope on piano, Doug Watkins on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. My copy is the 2022 Analogue Productions Mono Audiophile reissue sharing the original catalog number. Side One opens with Jackie McLean’s Lights Out, a slow blues that comes to life in the rhythm section’s introduction, with a short statement by Elmo segueing into Jackie’s easy-going theme and opening solo. Donald compliments him leisurely using a mute, and Hope does his thing in the following reading. Both horns engage in an exchange of thoughts before the climax.

Up, also by the saxophonist, soars from the front line’s introduction into a rapid-fire melody. Byrd is up first and back on the open horn for a brisk reading. McLean romps through the second interpretation; next, Hope keeps up the energetic pace in a speedy performance. Taylor displays his talents in a brief finale followed by the horn’s return for a quick reprise. Lorraine, by Donald Byrd, begins with the trumpeter’s lovingly tender theme. He adds a personal touch to the first interpretation, matched by the rhythm section’s gorgeous groundwork. Jackie follows with a beautiful reading that’s a sultry treat for the ears, then Donald returns for a second statement that takes us away into a pretty ending by the front line.

A Foggy Day by George and Ira Gershwin kicks off Side Two. The song premiered in the 1937 musical comedy, A Damsel In Distress. McLean begins the melody with a happy, medium beat that extends to his lead solo. Byrd is back on the mute and flows with a gentle swing before passing it on to Hope. The pianist gives a charming closing statement leading to the ending theme that dissolves into emptiness. Donald Byrd’s Kerplunk gets underway with a carefree opening statement by Elmo that Donald maintains on the second interpretation with a relaxed groove. Jackie enters next and delivers a very efficient solo that proceeds to the front line blending their ideas into a satisfying conclusion ahead of the quintet’s exit.

Jackie McLean’s Inding starts with the trio’s introduction ahead of Byrd’s lively opening statement. Hope succeeds him with a lively presentation that shapes up nicely. McLean has the final say and brings the song home with a cheerful reading preceding the climax. Bob Weinstock supervised Lights Out!, and Rudy Van Gelder recorded it. Kevin Gray remastered this reissue, and the sound quality is outstanding. The record is on two-hundred grams of audiophile vinyl, and the album jacket has a high gloss. If you don’t already own an original pressing or early reissue, I highly recommend this Analogue Productions reissue for a spot in your library. It’s an excellent album by Jackie McLean that’s nearly forty-six minutes of pure bliss and can be enjoyed during the day, evening, or with the Lights Out!

~ A Foggy Day – Source: JazzStandards.com ~ © 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter

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