Jackie McLean

The only documentary film about alto saxophonist and jazz educator Jackie McLean is the fine work Jackie McLean on Mars by Ken Levis, filmed in 1976. I would love to see this reissued, but for now you can watch a low-resolution version on Vimeo.

I hadn't seen this film since Jackie showed it in history class in 1990. I watch it now with a completely different perspective, having seen many changes in the world since then. This film is essentially master class by Jackie McLean in that his teaching was as much about politics, racism, the mainstream media, the plague of drugs, and the education of young people as it was about jazz music itself. Here's a time capsule from the mid-seventies, yet the messages are shockingly relevant today. It's deep. You should really watch the whole thing.

Jackie McLean on Mars from Ken Levis on Vimeo.

Golden quote of the film:Read more

Seventeen years have passed since I first heard Wayne Escoffery play saxophone in the halls of the Hartt School in West Hartford, CT. Wayne and fellow freshman Jimmy Greene were quickly dubbed the "Twin Towers" in Hartt's jazz program headed by the legendary Jackie McLean. The nickname wasn't merely an obvious reference to their physical stature, but a nod to their seeming inseparability as they dedicated themselves to jazz mastery, propelling themselves forward like cycling teammates drafting in a Grand Tour.

Since the Hartt years, Wayne has followed his own course with unwavering resolution. Through college and beyond, he led a weekly jam session for six years at Rudy's in New Haven, CT, with the finest local musicians. These were intense, serious sessions, each a master class in and of itself. I distinctly recall one Rudy's session including prodigal drummer Jim Oblon that particularly showcased Wayne's steep trajectory. The lesson that night was clear. There's no better way to improve at jazz than sheer dedication and immersion.Read more