This impassioned quintet session from 1964 weaves elements of post-bop and free jazz into a supremely spirited program of original compositions by Jackie McLean and the young trumpet sensation Charles Tolliver. McLean and Tolliver were joined by pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Cecil McBee, and drummer Roy Haynes. While the music was classified as “the new thing” at the time, the searing cry of the blues is ever-present in McLean’s brilliant alto saxophone playing. The artwork is one of Reid Miles’ most memorable cover designs.

Blue Note Records’ Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series is produced by Joe Harley and features all-analog, mastered-from-the-original-master-tape 180g audiophile vinyl reissues in deluxe gatefold packaging. Mastering is by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) and vinyl is manufactured at Record Technology Incorporated (RTI).