Rene McLean - favorite recordings, and questions for the man himself

[Rooster_Ties]

Hoping to hear and meet Rene McClean this weekend up in Baltimore. Not really planning to ask much about his dad/step-dad (depending on where you read), but more about his own recordings and live performances over the years -- and especially some particular musicians he's worked with -- most notably...

Tyrone Washington(!) -- Rene was on TW's last leader-date "Do Right" (the more populist and/or funk-oriented of Tyrone's dates -- an attmept at "feel good" jazz?). Also, one of the only tunes on 'The Trainwreck' that is listed with an actual title, is called "Rene" (alternately "Renee" from one other source). I remember some speculation around these parts about that being some further (possible) TW/RM connection (pretty speculative, I know, but since there are other TW/RM connections, who knows?). Maybe the one and only "Jackie" question I might ask is about is that unreleased Jackie date with Tyrone.

Nathen Page plays on Rene's first leader-date, and Page was a fantastic(!) and (I think) very underrated guitarist (or at least certainly under-recorded).

Several Woody Shaw dates with Rene!!

Another interesting date (that doesn't even appear in Rene's own discography, on his own website) is from 1981 or '82, with Rene and also Terumasa Hino(!).

Anyway, what other things would you ask Rene if given the chance? Again, especially stuff not about Jackie - since I figure he gets that all the time.

Edited September 16, 2013 by Rooster_Ties

[Stefan Wood]

I've seen him several times at Twins. He is a damn fine musician. He should be better known, but, one gets the sense that he doesn't want it.

[relyles]

He is still very much involved in the Artists Collective in Hartford, which was founded by Dollie and Jackie McLean. Dollie McLean is still the executive director. I believe he also teaches at the University of Hartford. As a result, I see him quite frequently at musical events in the area and have had a few opportunities to hear him live. Most recently in May in a Jackie McLean tribute band with Gary Bartz, Steve Nelson, Steve Davis, Josh Evans, Alan Jay Palmer, Ronnie Burrage, Neil Clark and a bassist that I can not remember right now, but I think it was local product Matt Dwonszyk. Hot night of music!

[Rooster_Ties]

I sure wish he had recorded more in the '70's especially. I'll normally buy almost anything he's on from that decade.

[John Tapscott]

This is a good one. I have the Steeplechase LP. Don't know about CD.

[Rooster_Ties]

I have New York Calling on CD, with a bonus track too, iirc. A really fine date!

[JSngry]

Ask him whatever happened to Billy Gault, please.

As for Billy Skinner, here's what!

http://photos.newhavenregister.com/2013/09/13/photos-concert-in-edgewood-park-with-trumpeter-billy-skinner/#.UjebBz9IV7c

[JSngry]

I'd also like to know more about his time in South Africa, that whole arc.

[Niko]

Ask him whatever happened to Billy Gault, please.

not a complete answer at all but apparently he is now called Kalim Zarif and can be seen here:

Edited September 17, 2013 by Niko

[king ubu]

Rooster, is that just about a casual conversation after concert, or do you intend to do a real interview or something?

I'd also like to know more about his time in South Africa, that whole arc.

Yes indeed!

As for Billy Skinner, here's what!

http://photos.newhavenregister.com/2013/09/13/photos-concert-in-edgewood-park-with-trumpeter-billy-skinner/#.UjebBz9IV7c

What's that black plastic thingie stuck to the trumpet right in front of his face? Is that a smartrumpet or something?

Hate to see it when good musicians have to play such lousy things as Billy Gault in that long video ....

Some comments to this video here with statements about Gault ... thous this being the intterzone, ya never know:

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I only have one of his own albums - 'In African eyes'. It's OK, but McLean seems too much of a jazz musician and not enough of a township jive musician for the material. But there are a couple of tracks, like 'Ziyagiya' where he does seem quite at home.

He made a live album in South Africa in 2003 but I haven't been interested enough to find out about it.

As a sideman, I have Woody Shaw's 'Love dance' which is excellent stuff when I'm feeling like a bit of hard bop.

MG

[Rooster_Ties]

Rooster, is that just about a casual conversation after concert, or do you intend to do a real interview or something?

Just casual conversation between sets, or after the gig. Nothing formal planned -- so I'll need to pick 2 or 3 questions/topics (at most) -- as I don't want him to feel interrogated.

[Justin V]

I'd also like to know more about his time in South Africa, that whole arc.

Is that how he hooked up with the late Hotep Idris Galeta? I picked up Jackie Mac's Dynasty last year and was very impressed by both Rene and Galeta, neither of whom I'd heard before.

[Niko]

according to wikipedia, Galeta left SA in 1961, recording with Bobby Hutcherson and Woody Shaw in 1973 - so most likely the answer is no