Bebop's Sharpest Alto Saxophonist. Who Was Jackie Mclean?

Jackie McLean (1931-2006) was an influential American alto saxophonist, composer, and educator. A key figure in the hard bop and post-bop jazz movements, McLean's fiery tone and innovative improvisation marked him as one of the most distinctive voices in jazz. Early in his career, he worked with legends like Miles Davis, Art Blakey, and Charles Mingus, gaining a reputation for his intense, emotionally charged playing.