"It's Time" on CD is a powerful statement from alto saxophonist Jackie McLean, capturing a pivotal moment in 1960s jazz where hard bop begins to open toward the avant-garde. Released on the legendary Blue Note label, this album presents McLean at his most urgent and inventive, with sharply contoured melodies, harmonically adventurous writing, and fiercely committed improvisations. The recording balances driving, blues-inflected grooves with more exploratory passages, resulting in music that is both accessible and forward-looking. Listeners encounter tense, angular lines, bold rhythmic interplay and a raw, emotional tone that made McLean one of the most distinctive voices on his instrument.
The CD format allows this landmark session to be heard with clarity and presence, highlighting the dynamic contrasts and the deep communication within the ensemble. "It's Time" stands as a key chapter in the Blue Note catalogue, documenting the label's shift from classic hard bop toward more modern and experimental forms without losing the soulful core that defines its sound.
Jackie McLean (1931-2006) was a major figure of modern jazz, known for his piercing alto sax tone, intense phrasing, and uncompromising artistic vision. After early work with giants like Miles Davis and Charles Mingus, he became one of Blue Note's signature artists, recording a string of influential albums in the late 1950s and 1960s. His discography helped shape the transition from bebop and hard bop into the more exploratory jazz of the 1960s, and he later gained recognition as an educator and mentor to younger musicians. His recordings for Blue Note are widely regarded as essential listening for jazz enthusiasts and collectors.
Blue Note, the manufacturer of this CD, is one of the most revered labels in jazz history. Founded in 1939, it built its reputation with high production standards, iconic cover designs, and an artist-centered approach that gave musicians the freedom to experiment. Over the decades, Blue Note has released seminal albums by many of the greatest names in jazz, setting a benchmark for sound quality, artistic integrity, and stylistic innovation. "It's Time" fits squarely into this tradition as a bold, creative work that still resonates with contemporary listeners.
Modern
32.360
- AcidJazz/DanceJazz 107- Avantgarde/Free 983- Bebop 109- Bossa Nova 339- Cool 75- Hard Bop 155- Jazz Rock/Fusion 748- Latin Jazz 998- Other Modern Jazz 27.381- PopJazz/SmoothJazz 795- World-&Ethno-Ja. 447
