Peruggia – 1983

Jackie McLean

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Jackie McLean (1931-2006) always had his own distinctive tone with every note he played being full of passion.

Although Charlie Parker was an early influence, McLean was instantly recognizable.

During 1963-64, he utilized vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson instead of a pianist on three of his classic Blue Note albums, performances that straddled the boundaries between hard bop and the avant-garde.

In 1983 they had a reunion, performing in Pescara Italy on July 10 in a quartet with bassist Herbie Lewis and drummer Billy Higgins.

While the song is titled “Peruggia,” it actually has the same melody as Dizzy Gillespie’s “Blue ‘N Boogie.”

However the melody is quickly discarded during a fiery performance that has heated solos from McLean, Hutcherson, and Higgins.

-Scott Yanow

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