Swing Swang Swingin’

Something of a departure for not only Jackie McLean but Blue Note too, Swing Swang Swingin relies on standard repertoire much more than previous albums. Its an interesting variation from the norm too, aided by some excellent playing by saxophonist Jackie McLean, alongside Walter Bishop (piano), Jimmy Garrison (bass) and Art Taylor (drums). And what of the repertoire? Several of the tracks were perhaps never intended to be given jazz interpretations, but Jackie does a mean job in dispelling any doubts as to their suitability. Lets Face The Music And Dance, for example, is best known through Fred Astaires version that appeared in the film The Fleets In, a movie that also gave rise to I Remember You. Both songs are given extended workouts by Jackie and his crew, resulting in a series of impassioned improvisations. Jackies playing always fits the mood of the song, and as a result Swing Swang Swingin would mark the launch of an incredible hot streak for Jackie McLean.