On the Road with the Jackie McLean Quintet: Jazz Master Tour Inspires Students, Thrills Audiences

by Joseph Guy

Introduction

The mission of the 2000 Southern Arts Federation (SAF) Jazz Master Tour was threefold: to highlight, honor and introduce the significant artistic achievements of a living jazz master musician to audiences through out the South; to provide educational training in jazz music to students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other jazz studies programs; and to help re-connect students and faculty at HBCUs and members of other southern communities with this important art form through concerts and master classes.

Jackie Maclean, Alto Sax, Phil Bowler, Bass, Nasheet Waits, Drums, March 4, 2000, Arts Center Carboro, Chapel Hill, NC. Photo by Joseph Guy

For the 2000 tour, the second SAF Jazz Master Tour, the featured artist was alto saxophonist Jackie McLean. McLean, who at age 68 is considered by many to be the greatest living jazz alto saxophonist, was chosen for his outstanding contributions to the art form (at last count more than 50 albums under his own name) and his lifelong commitment to jazz education.

The program consisted of a six state tour with six public concerts and six master classes for HBCU jazz studies students, high school jazz students, and the general public. The program also included two distance learning components. Through video conferencing, students at three HBCU sites other than those HBCU campuses visited by Jackie McLean were able to participate in a master class. In addition, a 1 hour and 45 minute educational video featuring in depth interviews with Jackie McLean was produced and distributed to all of the master class sites in advance of McLean’s visit. In all, through this program more than 2,465,599 persons were reached through attendance at concerts or master classes, via radio or TV interviews, or through newspaper articles.

The tour received major support from AT&T, The National Endowment for the Arts, City of Atlanta Bureau of Cultural Affairsand The Southern Arts Federation. The tour was presented in cooperation with the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans; the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Arts Center Carrboro, North Carolina Central University, The Kentucky Center for the Arts, the Louisville Youth Performing Arts School, WCLK-FM/Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University, Alabama State University, and the Alabama Jazz & Blues Federation.

What follows is a brief story of the tour as related by SAF ‘s Jazz Coordinator, Joseph Guy, who produced the program for SAF and traveled with Jackie McLean and his ensemble.

Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA — Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2000

After many anxious moments getting Mr. McLean and his wife, Dollie, into Atlanta during one of the city’s famous ice storms (don’t ask!), SAF’s Jazz Master Tour (JMT) kicks off with pre-tour preparation at Clark Atlanta University (CAU). Fortunately, it turns out that the ice storm will be the only serious logistical threat over the course of the tour.

On January 31, 2000, I accompany Jackie and Dollie to CAU for an in-studio interview and panel discussion, which, is video taped for use by students attending the master classes. The technical crew for this event consists of CAU media students supervised by CAU faculty. Several jazz studies students from CAU and adjacent Spelman College also attend the taping. I don’t think anyone in attendance is prepared for what a wondrous story will unfold over the course of the day.

"Minor Apprehension"

For the taping Mr. McLean is interviewed by WCLK-FM jazz radio personality Deb Moore about his life, recording and performing career, the jazz tradition, his musical style, and his work with his and Dollie’s Artists Collective in Hartford, CT. Mr. McLean then takes part in a panel discussion with Joe Jennings, Jazz Studies professor at Spelman College, and James Patterson, Director of the Clark Atlanta University jazz ensemble, concerning the history of jazz, the music’s place in American culture, education, and other subjects.

Mr. McLean’s story is nothing short of fascinating. During the interview he relates how as a 13 year-old living in Harlem he first spent time visiting at Bud Powell’s home, watching the piano genius play and learning about the jazz tradition directly from one of the architects of bebop. He speaks of his surprise and joy at a phone call his mother received from Charlie "Bird" Parker asking if the teenage McLean could sit in at a gig for Bird in New York until Bird arrived from another gig to take over. And he relates the thrill, and the fear, that accompanied his first playing experience with Miles Davis. I find myself mesmerized by all of the accomplishments and experiences related during the course of the interview. Nothing like this was in any of the research I had done prior to the tour.

After editing (of which there is very little, due to Jackie’s engaging and thoughtful responses to interview questions) the video is sent to each master class location in advance to better inform class participants about Mr. McLean’s unique contributions to jazz.

The following day I accompany Mr. McLean to WCLK-Radio FM 91.9 for a live broadcast interview on this non-commercial jazz station. Mr. McLean and DJ, Deb Moore, discuss his career, his teaching experiences, and his involvement with SAF’s Jazz Master Tour. Again I am amazed at the depth of experience and intensity of spirit of this man who I have just met for the first time. While at the station, McLean records a series of public service announcements to be used in each of the six cities visited by the tour. Always the consummate professional and performer, Jackie patiently participates in this somewhat tedious process, focusing on generating publicity for the tour and sponsors.

With pre-tour activities concluded, Jackie and Dollie return to their home in Hartford, CT and I scramble to find more Jackie McLean CDs.

North Carolina State University/Arts Center Carrboro March 3-4, 2000

The tour begins in earnest as Jackie and band members, Rene McLean (tenor saxophone), Phil Bowler (bass), Nasheet Waits (drums), and Alan J. Palmer (piano) arrive in Raleigh/Durham, NC. Jackie had been looking forward to working with these band members and especially to having his son Rene, just returned after many years living in South Africa, on the tour. As the tour unfolds I will come to recognize the special energy that exists between Jackie and Rene and the band as a whole. But for now I take it as a good sign that the band is pleased with the tour program and the band takes it as a good sign that we have a clean, well-maintained rental van in which to ride.

The activities begin with a master class workshop for North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) jazz music majors on Friday March 3, 2000, coordinated by NCCU’s jazz studies director, Dr. Ira Wiggins. Jackie and the band discuss and demonstrate for the 45 students group dynamics, rehearsal techniques, and how to realistically approach a career in jazz (hint: practice, study, play, and consider your instrument your significant other!). The students, with Rene sitting in, then give a rousing performance for Jackie. Afterwards, Jackie and the band give the students comments and suggestions about their performances.

Following the master class, I accompany Jackie to NCCU’s radio station, WNCU-FM, for a live broadcast interview. Jackie and DJ, Larry Thomas, discuss the master class activities at NCCU, Mr. McLean’s career, and his impact on jazz. They also discuss his concert appearance the next evening at Arts Center Carborro. Later that evening the station conducts a special two-hour program featuring Mr. McLean’s music. Earlier the same day, Mr. McLean was interviewed by phone by WSHA-FM. Both stations repeatedly broadcast the pre-recorded PSA.

The public concert takes place at 8:00 PM on the evening of March 4^th at Arts Center Carborro (ACC) in Chapel Hill, NC before a standing room only crowd of 350 persons. Jackie is especially pleased by the arrival during sound check of many of the jazz studies students from NCCU, who take seats and marvel at the band’s power.

Although Jackie’s most recent release on Blue Note, "Nature Boy", is a lovely recording of sweet up-tempo ballads, he has confided to me that his live band is more aggressive. He isn’t kidding. Jackie digs deep into his catalog and also features some beautiful compositions by Rene, a long time student of South African music forms. The crowd, which is both knowledgeable about jazz and appreciative of Mr. McLean’s talents, gives the band a warm welcome complete with standing ovation. From my position at the sound table I can’t help but smile, thrilled with the artistry of the band, which I am hearing for the first time. We are off and running!

After the concert Mr. McLean signs autographs and talks with students about their performances at the recent master class, giving words of encouragement and support. As I watch these young people light up with a kind word from a master, I realize that we have already succeeded in our mission. And there are five more stops to go!

Dillard University/New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation/
Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA March 10-11, 2000

After a week’s break, the tour resumes in funky, post Mardi Gras New Orleans. I am joined by Brian Hall, a jazz bassist from Atlanta, who will work with me as tour assistant and drive the 2^nd tour van. On the afternoon of March 10 the quintet conducts a workshop on the campus of Dillard University that is coordinated by Mr. Dan Williams of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. The 45 persons in attendance include music students from the university, faculty members, local high school students, and local musicians who have heard about the workshop through our radio PSAs. The workshop focuses on instrument technique, individual approaches to performance, jazz history, and of course, the New Orleans influence on jazz. At the conclusion, McLean and quintet perform a stunning 10-minute improvisation that features Mclean’s trademark phrasing and tone and highlights the individual playing of his ensemble.

Later that afternoon as Joel Jackson of the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and I accompany Jackie to a live broadcast interview on WWOZ-FM, we are pleased to hear that station play one of Jackie’s tunes and the PSA for the next night’s concert. When we arrive at the station Jackie is thrilled to find that the show is originating from Congo square, one of the true cradles of jazz music. During the interview Jackie states that he is inspired to be standing on the spot where jazz found its earliest expression. As we leave the station we hear a trumpet being played somewhere in the distance and know the spirit of jazz remains alive in the streets of the Crescent City.

The public concert takes place on the evening of the 11^th at the CAC and is attended by a capacity crowd of 220. Saluting the crowd with a cry of "red beans and rice! " Jackie charges on the stage and the band gives a rousing two set performance that leaves many shaking their heads in wonder at Jackie’s mastery and distinct sound.

Jackson State University, Jackson, MS March 13, 2000

Arriving in Jackson on the afternoon of the 12^th, we are greeted by a feature article on Jackie in the Jackson Clarion-Journal newspaper. The town is quiet on a Sunday afternoon and everyone scatters. Some of the band members locate an excellent soul food restaurant where the entire band eats the next day. As I make my way to my room I hear Jackie practicing in his room. I remember an earlier comment Jackie made to an interviewer concerning how you find your own sound. Jackie’s reply was that you die looking for that sound. In the meantime you keep playing and searching.

A master class workshop, hosted by Dr. Russell Thomas, Jr., Director of Jazz Studies at Jackson State, is held on March 13 and attended by 42 persons, including jazz studies students and members of the university jazz ensemble. The workshop includes a discussion of the importance of a well-rounded education, each ensemble member’s individual approach to music, and the need and obligation to carry on the jazz tradition. Although just returned from spring break, the students are rapt with attention to hear McLean speak from the heart and with obvious concern for the students’ enrichment and for jazz.

The public concert is held later that night in the Music Recital Hall and is attended by more than 175 persons. McLean and company are hitting their stride as they blast through a long set of McLean originals (from both Jackie and Rene). Audience members, some of whom came from quite a distance, are thrilled by the masterful playing on McLean’s first visit to Mississippi.

Alabama State University/Alabama Jazz & Blues Federation, Montgomery, AL March 14-15, 2000

On the way into Montgomery we hear the tour PSA on WVAS-FM, the Alabama State University radio. When we arrive I also find that the Montgomery Advertiser-Journal has run an article about the concert and tour and reviewed Mr. McLean’s latest CD release the week before.

The following day, Doug Bristol, Jazz Studies Professor for ASU, and Jack Mazzanovich of the Alabama Jazz & Blues Federation host a 4 pm workshop attended by 40 persons from the university, a local performing arts magnet high school, and the community. The excellent discussion covers the development of an individual style, the jazz tradition, practice techniques, and the need for a well rounded education. After the workshop, Jackie expresses his pleasure at the sincerity and depth of the conversation.

The evening’s public concert is held in Tullibody recital hall on the ASU campus and is attended by over 160 persons. The quintet performs a rousing concert that brings the house to its feet demanding an encore. In his first visit to the state of Alabama, McLean connects with long time fans of his music and has an unexpected visit from a jazz drummer he had worked with many years before. I find that in each city we visit Jackie becomes re-acquainted with someone he has known over the years. Jackie will leave Montgomery with a legion of new fans astounded with his brand of hard bop.

Youth Performing Arts High School/Kentucky Center for the Arts, Louisville, KY March 17-18, 2000

After a day of travel we kick off the Louisville activities on the morning of the 17^th. Our tour partner, Ken Clay of the Kentucky Center for the Arts (KCA), and I accompany Jackie to a live broadcast interview on WFPK-FM. Following the interview Curtis Essig, Jazz Instructor at the Youth Performing Arts School, hosts a master class workshop attended by 20 high school students. The discussion focuses on improvisation, instrument technique, and education. The youth jazz band performs for Jackie and his band and receives feedback about their performance along with some individual instruction. The students, clearly nervous at the prospect of performing for their guest, are put at ease by the easy-going manner of the band members and ably demonstrate their developing chops. Again, I am amazed by the band’s ability to communicate their passion for jazz.

The following day I accompany Jackie to an on-air interview for WHAS-TV, Louisville’s ABC TV affiliate, where he discusses the tour and his career. Later that night the public concert is held at the KCA and is attended by 200 persons. In the setting of a jazz cabaret with candle lit tables, the ensemble burns through two sets of music that showcase McLean’s unique tone and masterful finger work. The next day the Louisville Courier-Journal runs a very nice review of the concert, a nice send off as the band flies back to New York and the tour takes a break.

Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA March 30-31, 2000

Beginning on March 29 Clark Atlanta University TV broadcasts segments of the educational video via Media One cable. By June the broadcasts will have run 14 times, with each of the 14 broadcasts reaching an audience of about 83,000, for an estimated total audience of 1,162,000! These broadcasts are a great service for the tour and the sponsors, who are credited at the beginning and end of each segment. In addition, our partners at WCLK-FM repeatedly broadcast the pre-recorded tour PSA, setting up great PR for the show.

On March 30 Jackie and the band conduct a master class at Clark Atlanta University. Through partnership with Clark Atlanta University’s Video Technology Resource and Education Center (ViTREC) the workshop is transmitted to three additional HBCU jazz studies classes (Kentucky State University, Tennessee State University, and Florida A&M University) via video conferencing technology. The workshop is attended/seen by 40 jazz students whom we could not have reached otherwise. The workshop focuses on the individuality of playing styles, balancing a jazz education with playing experience, and Jackie’s career.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution runs a notice of the concert in its March 31^st edition, which when combined with other publicity efforts brings in a full house crowd of more than 475 persons. The concert, held at the Davage auditorium on the Clark Atlanta University campus, is a fitting end to the tour as Jackie and company once again give virtuoso performances. The crowd responds with a standing ovation that garners a two-song encore. After the performance the stage is filled with people wanting to meet and talk with Jackie, and everyone leaves with a sense of having seen a true master of jazz.

The following day Brian and I take the band to the airport. Both of us are tired from a strenuous schedule but are uplifted by our opportunity to work with and get to know musicians of immense talent, who are so obviously committed to carrying forward the jazz tradition.

Related Links

Jackie McLean Bio
http://libaxp.hartford.edu/hartt/hartt/www/faculty/musicfac/mclean_j.html

WCLK - Atlanta's Offical Jazz and Gospel Station
http://www.wclk.com/

Interactive Media Technology Center
http://www.oip.gatech.edu/imtc/

GCATT
http://www.gcatt.gatech.edu/

Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans
http://www.cacno.org/

Video Technology Resource and Education Center
http://www.vitrec.cau.edu/

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation
http://www.nojhf.org/

AT&T
http://www.att.com/

Southern Arts Federation
http://www.southarts.org

Kentucky Center for the Arts
http://www.kca.org/

National Endowment for the Arts
Contact the Web Manager.