Tonight's Jazz Feature is one of the many that alto saxophonist Jackie McLean did for Blue Note Records during his early years with the label from 1959 to 1967. Jackie reached musical maturity during his Blue Note years and his playing progressed by leaps and bounds. This album seems unjustly neglected and deserves a hearing as the music is superb. It marks the recorded debut of trumpeter/composer Charles Tolliver. Charles contributes 3 compositions to the set which was recorded at Rudy van Gelder's Studio on August 5, 1964. Jackie McLean picked the great rhythm section with Herbie Hancock playing some very adventurous solos, On bass is Cecil McBee and on drums is the always creative "Mr Snap-Crackle" (Roy Haynes).. Mclean contributes 3 tunes to the set including the title track: "It's Time!". This Jazz Feature is a belated Birthday tribute to Mr. McLean who was born on May 17, 1931 in New York. It's Time for Jackie McLean!
