Harold McNair

2017 release ** Monkey Dog present a reissue of Affectionate Fink from Harold McNair With Ornette Coleman's Sidemen, originally released in 1965. An incredible record from reedman Harold McNair - one of the key Jamaican jazz players who hit the London scene in the same post-colonial wave as Joe Harriott and Shake Keane - and a standout of the bunch. Harold's a hell of a talent on both tenor and flute. Although he might be best known for his background work on late '60s Donovan albums, he really soars here as a soloist, working with Ornette Coleman's group which includes members David Izenzon on bass and Charles Moffett on drums, both of whom swing wonderfully in McNair's company. The album bills Izenzon and Moffett strongly on the cover - as if they're one of the main attractions - but what's most compelling is the way that McNair and pianist Alan Branscombe bring the American musicians into their own sort of groove - a modal, soulful style that's completely sublime - and which makes the album a killer all the way through. Titles include the original "Affectionate Fink", plus great takes on "I Love You", "O Barquinho", "You Stepped Out Of A Dream", and "Here's That Rainy Day" - all soulful swingers.