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John McLean

Jazz guitarist John McLean's 25 year career has included work as a performer; composer; arranger; producer;bandleader,and educator.

Since completing studies at The Berklee College of Music (B.M.) and the University of Miami (M.M.), Mclean has toured throughout the world performing and recording in a wide variety of musical contexts. He has appeared and recorded with such artists as Kurt Elling; Mose Allison; Dave Douglas; Dr. Lonnie Smith; Patricia Barber; Randy Brecker; Adam Nussbaum; Arthur Blythe, and many more.

John's latest recording, "Better Angels" features his exciting septet in a program of original music and innovative arrangements of jazz classics. The project reflects McLean's increasing interest in combining jazz improvisation with more elaborate compositional structures and fresh instrumental settings.

John McLean is currently based in the Chicago area and is on the music faculties of Roosevelt University and North Central College.

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12
Album Review

John McLean: Parts Unknown

Read "Parts Unknown" reviewed by Friedrich Kunzmann


This inventive Chicago Quartet finds Kurt Elling's long time backing team comprised of guitarist John McLean and bassist Clark Sommers pushing into original sonic adventures with fresh modern twists. The band's debut outing for Origin Records also features drummer Xavier Breaker and vibes veteran Joe Locke whose tone and style accompanies and interacts perfectly with John McLean's subtle but poignant Guitar lines.Locke's modernistic “Blondie Roundabout" launches this long player to some speed with a very approachable guitar driven ...

7
Album Review

John McLean / Clark Sommers Band: Parts Unknown

Read "Parts Unknown" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


It's amazing what can happen when you take a tight-knit, deep-dish duo reflective of Chicago's jazz riches, add one of the world's most dexterous and expressive vibraphonists, and sweeten the deal with a grooving up-and-comer. Charts are mapped over uncharted territories, musical assuredness carries the day in uncertain realms, and surprises await around every well-constructed corner. This is not-so-simply a beautiful case of known parts moving toward parts unknown. Guitarist John McLean and bassist Clark Sommers have ...

180
Album Review

John McLean: Better Angels

Read "Better Angels" reviewed by John Barron


Guitarist/composer John McLean is an emerging musical voice for the 21st century. Steeped in tradition and propelled by contemporary influences, the Chicago-based musician sculpts an uncanny representation of an ever-widening American musical landscape. Better Angels, McLean's second release as a leader, is a stunning collection of original compositions and standards, featuring McLean's blistering guitar and his unconventional ensemble comprised of saxophonist Jim Gailloreto, vocalist Grazyna Auguscik, violinist Zach Brock, organist Karl Montzka, bassist Larry Kohut and drummer Eric Montzka.

There ...

136
Album Review

John McLean: Easy Go

Read "Easy Go" reviewed by Jim Santella


Mostly his originals, the session smokes with an authenticity that centers on exciting guitar leadership. By adding organ and tenor saxophone, McLean provides a sound that captures the essence of jazz and rock. Pieces by Woody Shaw, Bill Evans/Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius add a mainstream charm. Hammond organ and guitar go back a long way. They blend to provide a distinctive sound that is at once contemporary and classic. This is timeless music.

Lyrical and expressive, McLean makes full ...

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“No jazz musician in Chicago can more quickly electrify a tune or galvanize an audience..." Chicago Reader
Primary Instrument

Guitar

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Parts Unknown

Origin Records
2017

buy

Better Angels

Origin Records
2007

buy

Easy Go

Premonition Records
2001

buy

Labor Day

From: Parts Unknown
By John McLean

Better Angels

From: Better Angels
By John McLean

Similar

Gene Ludwig
organ, Hammond B3
Times 4
band / ensemble / orchestra

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