# RENE MCLEAN: IN AFRICAN EYES
(Triloka Records)
Rene McLean is the very talented son of Jackie McLean, the American sax player of the bebop era who is still blowing up a storm.
McLean, who plays flute and all the saxes, was taught by his father, and mixed with and was influenced by such luminaries as Art Blakey, Leroy Jones and Sonny Rollins. No wonder he plays with a great post-bop style.
In 1985, he came to South Africa, where he lived, worked, taught and played. This CD was recorded in Johannesburg and mixed in Hollywood. Featured on the album are Hugh Masekela, Rashid Lanie, Victor Masondo, Ian Herman and Victor Ntoni, among others. The music is a mixture of African and contempory jazz which very nearly works superbly. McLean plays magnificently, as do Lanie, Masekela et al.
The album is a most intriguing mix, from the ethnic opening piece, Africa Sundela, to the very jazzy version of the pop standard Masquerade.
# CHUCK LOEB: SIMPLE THINGS (DMP)
CHUCK LOEB plays great guitar — contemporary jazz- fusion in a style reminiscent of Pat Metheny and Lee Ritenour. A much-used studio musician, he has added his skills to works by artists including Eddie Daniels, Earl Klugh, Bob Mintzer and Jim Hall.
On this CD — his fifth outing for DMP — he is joined by Russell Ferrante (keyboard player for The Yellow Jackets), drummer Peter Erskine and bass player Will Lee. Loeb’s wife, Carmen Cuestra, contributes ethereal vocals.
This is a really pleasant CD in the fusion idiom, well recorded and produced. I particularly like the opening number, One Man’s View, and Harbour Lights, in which Loeb does some octave playing a la Wes Montgomery; it also has an Earl Klugh feel. Well worth a listen.
# THE MANN BROTHERS
(DMP)
THE Mann Brothers comprise David Mann, who plays alto, soprano and tenor saxes, and Ned Mann, on acoustic, fretless and six-string basses. They are both talented players. The material on this jazz- fusion CD is mostly written by David Mann.
Also on this CD are Willow Weep for Me and I Didn’t Know What Time It Was. These are two often-played standards, but the arrangements are fresh and very different. David Mann shows his “bebop chops” here. Lovely stuff.
This is a swinging modern jazz CD, beautifully played and produced.
# JOE MCBRIDE: A GIFT FOR TOMORROW
(101 South Records)
JOE McBRIDE is a pianist, composer and vocalist whose music is in the pop jazz idiom. Like so many other jazz musicians — George Shearing, Stevie Wonder, Lennie Tristano — he has transcended blindnes. Guest artists on some tracks are popular guitarist Larry Carlton and saxman Kirk Whalum.
McBride plays neat piano — I would have liked to hear him stretch out a bit — and sings very well in the soul/jazz manner.
This CD makes easy listening and would provide great contemporary background music at a party. Try it.