Rene McLean Albums (4)
'Live in South Africa Generations to Come'
Release Date 8/31/2002
Tracks 9
Label I'jazza
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Even though this live date was recorded in South Africa with an all African backup band, it still finds René McLean committed to the same kind of hard bop he played with his father, bebop legend Jackie McLean and Woody Shaw. With a rhythm section augmented by three extra percussionists propelling him, McLean charges headlong through a set of hard-driving tunes. His lines swing hard with unrelenting forward motion. Hotep Idris Galeta, the band's other major soloist, and a regular bandmate of McLean's, swings just as hard, though he airs out his lines more before hammering home the climax. Vocalist Theaster Gates' four appearances add an element of diversity to the proceedings. He has a versatile delivery, waxing soulful on "Pretty Words," dramatic on "Freedom Danced," and loose and funky on "Sista Lesotho." On that last number he elicits a relaxed, down-home performance that sounds more like the work of a blues band than a jazz ensemble. Of course with all that extra percussion power, it's hardly your usual jazz band. McLean sets the percussionists loose on "Harold's Boss" and "Third World Express," letting them strut upfront and showcasing the polyrhythmic textures they add to the entire performance. ~ David Dupont, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This session was Rene McLean's debut as a leader, and it found the 28-year-old switching between alto, soprano, tenor, and flute. The son of Jackie McLean, Rene did not yet have a distinctive voice, but he showed much potential for the future. His sextet (with trumpeter Danny Coleman, pianist Hubert Eaves, and guitarist Nathan Page) hints at the innovations of the avant-garde while remaining closer to the style of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. It's a worthwhile if not overly memorable effort. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
