Jackie McLean - Bluesnik (1961)

AMG:
This is one of the most accessible of altoist Jackie McLean's Blue Note sessions, for the six songs, which have been augmented on this CD reissue by "new" alternate versions of "Goin' Way Blues" and "Torchin'," are all blues. McLean teams up with the fiery young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Doug Watkins, and drummer Pete La Roca for diverse originals by the leader, Drew, and Hubbard that all have the feeling (if not always the exact structure) of the blues. The variety of tempos, moods, and styles makes this a highly recommended set.

CDuniverse.com:
BLUESNIK is a play on words; by riffing on the appellation "beatnik"--the term used to describe the Bohemian intellectuals of the 1950s--saxophonist Jackie McLean and his group are making a philosophical statement of their own with this '61 album. Here they tip their hats to the blues, which is the backbone of all jazz. Most of these pieces are in major keys, but the two minor-key blues numbers "Drew's Blues" and "Cool Green" round out the set nicely, giving this record some musical legroom.

As always, McLean shines throughout, and his band, featuring many hard-bop all-stars, keeps pace on each of the eight tracks. Trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard adds fire to the proceedings, as does the nimble pianist Kenny Drew. "Torchin'" is the quintessential blues here, given its groovy, down-home flavor. However, it is the upbeat title track that adds just the right spice to this classic Blue Note release.

Thebebopshop.com:
The second great McLean record after 'New Soil' and 19 months on he turns his alto to a celebration of the blues in collaboration with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and a rhythm section of Kenny Drew, Doug Watkins and, once again, drummer Pete La Roca. The title track is a dashing, high-energy workout featuring one of the leader's finest and most logical solos to date. The other tracks are moving and intriguing blues-based essays, two by pianist Drew who reveals himself as a most lyrical and sympathetic accompanist. A delight.

Personnel:
Jackie McLean - Sax (Alto)
Kenny Drew - Piano
Pete La Roca - Drums
Doug Watkins - Bass
Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet

Tracks:
Tracks:
1. Goin' Way Blues (6:30)
2. Cool Green (5:15)
3. Blues Function (7:15)
4. Drew's Blues (5:50)
5. Goin' Way Blues [alternate take] (6:35)
6. Bluesnik (9:30)
7. Torchin' (6:05)
8. Torchin' [alternate take] (6:15)

Part 1
Part 2