5 Facts About Jackie McLean’s The African Pigeon

Recorded on April 30, 1963 The album was cut in a single session at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

Van Gelder’s studio was the go-to jazz recording space Many classic Blue Note albums were made there, and McLean’s session benefited from its renowned acoustics.

The lineup includes top sidemen McLean played alto saxophone alongside trumpeter Woody Shaw, pianist Larry Willis, bassist Larry Ridley, and drummer Pete La Roca.

The title track is a McLean original “The African Pigeon” showcases his hard bop style with a modal edge, a signature of his early 1960s work.

It was released on Blue Note Records The album came out as part of the label’s catalog, cementing McLean’s reputation as a leading post-bop saxophonist.