Considered one of his strongest Blue Note outings, Capuchin Swing basically forced McLean to bring in some heavyweights to help define and deliver his vision. First and foremost was Blue Mitchell’s forceful trumpet, chosen to counterpoint the leader’s alto, that was in a feisty mood of it’s own throughout the sessions. Having Walter Bishop, Jr. on piano, Paul Chambers’ bass and Art Taylor banging skins frees the leader’s mind of worry rhythm-wise, allowing him and Mitchell to co-explore new heights of interplay. The intensity on McLean originals such as “Francisco”, “Condition Blue” and the title tune are both riveting and sometimes draining, while Bishop contributes both “Just For Now” plus another dedication to the label founder, “On The Lion”.
This Classic Blue Note Signature LP Reissue Series release was mastered and cut on Classic’s ALL TUBE MONO cutting system allowing the listener to hear the music as Rudy Van Gelder mixed and intended it to be heard – in PURE MONO with no “faux stereo” artifacts from using a stereo cutter head! As always this release features authentic tip on jackets with film laminate front covers. Try and find an original that looks and sounds this good at any price!