Les Mccann

Together with the saxophone player Eddie Harris, Les McCann was responsible for one of the best-sold albums in the whole history of jazz – "Swiss Movement" (Atlantic SD-1537). It was his debut album on the Atlantic label. 1968 saw the release of "Much Les" and elaborated it with new aspects of what McCann did best in his early years: his core sound was enhanced with a string section and Latin percussion. The result is convincing, appealing, and captivating throughout and is considered an underestimated classic.

In all the numbers, McCann is supported strongly and in a relaxed manner by his former trio, the bassist Leroy Vinnegar and the drummer Donald Dean. However, it is the string section which dominates as McCann’s accompaniment; of the six tracks they are to be heard in all three slow numbers, as well as – surprisingly – in the relaxed soul jazz of "Doin’ That Thing", thus lending this track almost a film soundtrack feeling. Luckily the album does not wallow in sentimental kitsch; the strings are always employed with good taste in order to lend a solid base to the whole and provide counterpoint to McCann’s economical solo playing in the ballads. Further into the album he transforms Cole Porter’s "Love For Sale" in one of his characteristic funky soul-jazz grooves, and returns to his gospel roots in a lyrical, exuberant rendering of "Burnin’ Coal", where he employs a simple but catchy beat. 

The whole album is well varied, and the abundant, expanded arrangement serve to accentuate – not to veil – the masterly groove of the McCann Trio. And that is what makes "Much Les" such an entertaining, essential listening experience.