JAZZ NOTES : ‘Sessions’ Runs Gamut of Emotions

Alto saxophonist Jackie McLean has always been a one-of-a-kind jazzman. Even as he emerged in the early ‘50s as a Charlie Parker devotee, McLean had this broad aching sound--the result of his self-professed attempt to try to make the alto sound more like a tenor sax. In the late ‘50s, he made a hard turn, and embraced the loosely structured mode advocated by Ornette Coleman, but even these “free” improvisations were consistently marked by his precise, fluent technique and be-bop conception.

“The Complete Blue Note 1964-66 Jackie McLean Sessions,” a superb collection just out on Mosaic Records, finds McLean melding his blues-based, be-bop feeling with occasional glimpses of his crisp, Coleman-like desire for unbridled expression in a style that is poised, mature and singular.

The tunes range from the edgy, modal “Cancellation” and somber “Poor Eric” to exuberant “Jossa Bossa” and the incendiary “Climax,” a version of Coltrane’s “Impressions.” McLean, who has rarely sounded better, is surrounded by such greats as Herbie Hancock, piano, Lee Morgan, trumpet and Bobby Hutcherson, vibes. Price: four CDs, $60; five LPs, $65. No cassettes.

Also out on Mosaic is “The Complete Serge Chaloff Sessions,” a four-CD, five-LP set spotlighting the acclaimed baritone saxophonist, who was probably best known for his work in the ‘40s with Woody Herman (as part of the Four Brothers sax section). Chaloff, a be-bopper who played with Charlie Parker-like intricacy, is heard on 54 selections from 1946 to 1956. The standouts are a handful of quartet dates, featuring the sumptuous pianist Sonny Clark. Price: $60 for CDs, $65 for LPs. Again no cassettes.

In addition, check out the rousing performances by pianist Earl Hines, trombonist Jack Teagarden and clarinetist Barney Bigard, which highlight “The Complete Decca Recordings of Louis Armstrong and the All Stars.” Recorded between 1950 and 1958, the 81 tracks on these six CDs or eight LPs reveal the great trumpeter-singer in peak form, offering such favorites as “Struttin’ With Some Barbeque,” “Dippermouth Blues” and “Basin Street Blues.” Price: $90 for CDs, $104 for LPs. Information on these Mosaic releases: (203) 327-7111.

Drum Rolls: Eliane Elias, the Brazilian-born keyboardist who resides in New York, is the first jazz artist since Wynton and Branford Marsalis to have both jazz and classical albums on the market at the same time.

Elias, who appears Saturday with harmonica master Toots Thielemans at the Wadsworth Theatre in Brentwood, has just released “Paulistana” (Blue Note), a collection of Brazilian-based tunes that features such notables as singer Ivan Lins (also on the Thielemans show), drummers Peter Erskine and Jack DeJohnette and bassists Eddie Gomez and Marc Johnson. Also newly out is “On the Classical Side” (on EMI Classics), where Elias, performing solo, admirably and confidently tackles works by Villa-Lobos, Ravel, J.S. Bach and Chopin . . . .

Don Pullen, who looks at the connection between African, Brazilian and jazz genres on his recent Blue Note album, “Ode to Life,” has canceled his appearance at Catalina Bar & Grill Tuesday through next Sunday, due to serious illness. Replacing Pullen will be the Kevin Eubanks trio on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Eric Reed’s trio on Saturday and Sunday. Thursday and Friday, a special guest is on tap; call the club for information.