From the same "live in Baltimore" session that resulted in Dr. Jackle, altoist Jackie McLean and his regular quartet of the period (comprised of pianist Lamont Johnson, bassist Scotty Holt, and drummer Billy Higgins) explore lengthy versions of three standards ("Tune-Up," "I Remember You," and a passionate "Smile") along with McLean's original "Jack's Tune." As well as the altoist plays, it is the solos of the underrated and underrecorded pianist, LaMont Johnson, that make this explorative hard bop release most notable. ~ Scott Yanow|

Rovi