With the exception of a beautiful ballad version of
Larry Willis' "Poor Eric," the music here (also available in Mosaic's four-disc
Jackie McLean box set) is hard-charging, intense, and fairly free. The altoist was at the peak of his powers during this period and, inspired by the versatile rhythm section (pianist
Larry Willis, bassist
Bob Cranshaw, and drummer
Clifford Jarvis), he plays explorative versions of his own "Eco,"
Willis' "Christel's Tune," and
Charles Tolliver's "Right Now"; an alternate version of the latter is added on the reissue. This date offers a particularly strong example of
McLean's unique inside/outside music of the 1960s. ~ Scott Yanow