Jackie McLean

John Lenwood (Jackie) McLean is an American jazz alto saxophonist, born in 1932 in New York City. His father, John Sr. (died 1939), played guitar in Tiny Bradshaw's orchestra. His mother was a music teacher. After his father's death, his musical education was continued by his mother, his godfather, his stepfather, who owned a record store, and by several noted teachers. He also received informal tutoring from Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Charlie Parker. During high school his friends included Sonny Rollins and Kenny Drew.

He recorded with Miles Davis when he was 19 years old. As a young man he also recorded with Gene Ammons, Charles Mingus and Art Blakey. His early recordings as leader were in the hard bop genre. He later became an exponent of modal jazz. Throughout his career he has been known for his distinctive, insistent tone (often described with such adjectives as withering or searing) and a style influenced by gospel, soul, blues, and rhythm and blues.

In 1968 McLean began teaching at the Hartt College of Music of the University of Hartford. He later set up the university's African American Music Department and its Jazz Studies degree program.

His son René is also an alto player and university teacher, in South Africa.

Selected recordings

• Jackie's Bag (1959)
• New Soil (1959)
• Bluesnik (1961)
• Let Freedom Ring (1962)
• Vertigo (1963)
• Jacknife (sic) (1965)
• Ode to Super (1973)
• Contour (1980)
• Dynasty (1990)
• Nature Boy (2000)