Blue Note, 1963

As the early 1960s progressed, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean’s innovative hard bop began to take on a harder edge and a more adventurous spirit. Inspired by the likes of Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane, McLean started to seek more freedom of expression in his music and ventured into the realm of the avant-garde, though on his own terms, never abandoning his soulful sense swing and structure. On his 1963 album One Step Beyond, McLean struck upon a distinctive inside-out sound by teaming up with trombonist Grachan Moncur III and bringing in vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson instead of a pianist, a move that gave the music a more open, spacious feel. Rounding out the quintet were bassist Eddie Kahn and drummer Tony Williams on this exploratory set of four original pieces—two by McLean (“Saturday and Sunday,” “Blue Rondo”) and two by Moncur (“Frankenstein,” “Ghost Town”).