Recorded in between his modernist masterpieces
Let Freedom Ring and
One Step Beyond,
Tippin' the Scales finds
Jackie McLean returning to a safer, more straightforward hard bop scenario for a short spell. Since the album wasn't really in keeping with the direction
McLean was heading (and since that direction proved to be successful), it stayed in the vaults for 22 years before finally seeing the light of day in 1984. As one might expect, given the nearly universal quality of
McLean's Blue Note output,
Tippin' the Scales is solid from top to bottom, even if it's not nearly as forward-looking as its predecessor. There's a lot of bluesy hard bop with a few unpredictable twists and turns, and the presence of pianist
Sonny Clark lends a cool tone to the session overall, making for a nice contrast with
McLean's frequently surging passion.
Clark contributes three of the six pieces, which are in keeping with his laid-back, swinging style, highlighted by the amiable, appropriately titled "Nicely." There are also two
McLean originals -- the fairly challenging title track and the more basic "Rainy Blues" -- and a rendition of the standard "Cabin in the Sky," where
McLean's on-the-edge timbre and intonation are put to surprisingly warm use. Though it's one of the more conventional items in
McLean's discography,
Tippin' the Scales offers an opportunity to hear the altoist in an uncommonly relaxed quartet setting, playing (along with anchor
Clark, bassist
Butch Warren, and drummer
Art Taylor) at a typically high level of musicianship. ~ Steve Huey