Fickle Sonance [Original recording remastered]

Jackie McLean | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 12, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B00004X0QM
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,894 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #18 in Music > Indie Music > Jazz > Modern Post Bop

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even The Most Fickle Jazz Fans Will Like "A Fickle Sonance", October 25, 2000

By 

Michael B. Richman (Portland, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fickle Sonance (Audio CD)

Jackie McLean's "A Fickle Sonance" is a most welcome addition to the Rudy Van Gelder Series. The RVG Edition marks the first time that this classic 1961 Blue Note session has been released domestically on CD. Joining Jackie on this great recording are Tommy Turrentine on trumpet (in a rare Blue Note session apart from his brother Stanley), Sonny Clark on piano, Butch Warren on bass and Billy Higgins on drums. Not only must Alfred Lion have approved of this lineup, but Sonny Clark must have as well, as he brought practically the same band (with Charlie Rouse instead of Jackie) into the studio not three weeks later to cut his classic "Leapin' And Lopin'." This rhythm trio would also be the genius behind Dexter Gordon's "Go," while Warren and Higgins would later team up with Herbie Hancock on Donald Byrd's "Royal Flush" (please put this out as an RVG!) and Herbie's "Takin' Off." The reason I mention this is not to show-off my encyclopedic knowledge, but to illustrate that these cats had lasting chemistry right from the start! Jackie was always aware of the jazz's latest progressions and it shows in the album's compositions. McLean authored two of the songs on this date, the ballad "Sudbued" and the adventurous title track (sorry Stuart, you are incorrect about this being Sonny's tune). Clark is credited with two contributions -- "Five Will Get You Ten" (which is actually a Monk tune called "Two Timer") and "Sundu" -- while Turrentine and even Warren contribute one each. "A Fickle Sonance" was truly a group effort that even the most fickle jazz enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rest in peace, Jackie Mac, April 2, 2006

By 

souldrummer (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Fickle Sonance (Audio CD)

I learned today that Jackie McLean passed away at the age of 74. To remember his powerful sound and searching spirit, I stepped away from some of my gospel and funk stuff to revisit some of his music. I've got something like 10 Jackie Mclean albums, mostly on Blue Note. Along with Let Freedom Ring, this is one of my favorites.

The first cut is a really catchy swinging tune whose head will stick with you. I don't know how much work Tommy Turrentine and Jackie did together, but they have great chemistry and great balance. Billy Higgins swings hard and this is very cohesive group.

The second track sticks out for me as a rearrangement of "Embraceable You". I also like the Enitnerrut, with it's Afro-Cuban feel.

Jackie Mac has a sound that pierces you to the core. It's sharp and jagged. Flirts with freedom but never forgets its bop influences.

Jackie Mac's work has moved me and this CD is one of several great entry points to the life of a great musician, educator and spirit.

5 stars.

--SD

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jackie Mclean, A Fickle Sonance, October 31, 2005

By 

Chris Covais - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fickle Sonance (Audio CD)

Jackie Mclean is one of my favorite artists that recorded for Blue Note in the 50's and 60's. His albums, the sidemen, the tunes, the cover art, and especially his playing is a treat for me.

I recently purchased another recording by him called Action, in which it was more avant garde and "Ornette Coleman" influenced. This session, of which is more "straight ahead" is a fantastic listen from start to finish.

There is such great variety on this cut. Every member of the group except drummer Billy Higgins contributed to the writing on the album. Sonny Clark's Five Will Get You Ten is a great opener. The rhythm's and of course the melody is fantastic. The other Sonny Clark original is Sundu, also a great track.

Mclean's A Fickle Sonance is the title track. Butch Warren sets this nice tempo, where Billy Higgins comes in next, and then the horns. It's pretty cool. Stanely Turrentine's brother, Tommy wrote Enitnerrut for the record. Don't try to say it; it's his last name spelled backwards. And according to Ira Gitler in the original liner notes, if you're the least bit backward, it won't be hard for you to figure out who wrote the tune.

Overall this album was great. Another classic RVG edition in the Blue Note catalogue. This album swings, and you'll dig it!