Jackie McLean
b. 17 May 1932, New York City, New York, USA. Coming as he did from a musical background (McLean's father played guitar with the Tiny Bradshaw band), Jackie was encouraged by family friends who included Bud Powell. It was through Powell that alto saxophonist McLean came to the attention of Miles Davis, with whom he played in 1951, having previously gigged with Sonny Rollins. Throughout the '50s McLean performed and recorded with numerous leading jazzmen, among them Charles Mingus and Art Blakey. He also led his own groups, touring internationally, and from the early '70s became active in musical education. In the late '70s, he had a surprising entry in the UK pop charts with his Dr Jackyll And Mr Funk, a disco favourite, which reached number 53. Strongly influenced by Charlie Parker and Ornette Coleman, McLean's forceful and highly personal playing style reflects his interest in several schools of modern jazz. McLean's son, Rene, is a jazz saxophonist.