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