[Cover photo of Jackie McLean, credit to Francis Wolff]

Blue Note’s Tone Poet Series has expanded with two new Jazz releases, including The Modest Jazz Trio’s Good Friday Blues album and Jackie McLean’s collection, Let Freedom Ring. Both albums ship on September 12th, 2024.

Recorded on Good Friday 1960, a Pacific Jazz session captured The Modest Jazz Trio featuring Jim Hall on guitar, Red Mitchell on piano, and Red Kelly on bass. Good Friday Blues is the trio’s only album, and was originally planned to capture only a single track for a Blues anthology that Richard Bock was producing. It includes standards such as “Willow Weep For Me,” “I Remember You,” and “I Was Doin’ Alright.”

This Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe tip-on jacket.

Jackie McLean’s 1962 album Let Freedom Ring reflected on the change happening during the early ‘60s, including the Civil Rights Movement. This four-song set features the alto saxophonist with Walter Davis Jr. on piano, Herbie Lewis on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. Three McLean originals on the album include “Melody For Melonae” (dedicated to his daughter), “Rene” (dedicated to his son), and “Omega” (dedicated to his mother). There is also a rendition of the Bud Powell ballad “I’ll Keep Loving You”.

This Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes, pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.