McLean is in his stride on the opening burner "Melody for Melonae," which, after a very programmatic beginning, allows the saxophonist plenty of room to cut loose. Davis's superb piano work on the ballad "I'll Keep Loving You" provides a delightful backdrop to McLean's expressive testimonial with wailing screams of emotion. "Rene," named for McLean's son, is a quirky tune that offers angular interaction between all members of the quartet and a driving performance by Higgins. Finally, the swinging "Omega" is one of McLean's most dynamic compositions and closes the session on a stellar high.Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on March 19, 1962. Includes liner notes by Jackie McLean, Bob Blumethal.
Personnel: Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Walter Davis (piano); Herbie Lewis (bass); Billy Higgins (drums).
