Old gospel music in Jazz Instrumental Music

"New & Old Gospel" (01/14/1998) Jazz Instrument McLean, Jackie, EMI Music DistributionPersonnel: Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Ornette Coleman (trumpet); Lamont Johnson (piano); Scott Holt (bass); Billy Higgins (drums). Saxophonist Jackie McLean lays down the hard bop gospel on NEW AND OLD GOSPEL, which features the compositions "Lifeline" and "Midway," among others. Originally issued in 1967, NEW AND OLD GOSPEL is one of the final albums in jazz saxophonist Jackie McLean's long and impressive run on the iconic Blue Note label. What makes this adventurous hard-bop album even more significant, however, is the presence of the legendary Ornette Coleman, in a rare turn as both a sideman and a trumpet player. Although Coleman graciously lets McLean, a powerhouse player in his own right, retain the center spotlight, the free-jazz giant undeniably shapes the proceedings, as best evinced on his own composition "Old Gospel," a lively and fiercely funky showcase for McLean's formidable alto-sax lines.