Soul, Groove, and Swing: How Les McCann Shaped Jazz and Why Joe Alterman’s Tribute is a Must-See at the Art of Jazz Series
Jazz has always been a music of evolution—absorbing influences, reshaping itself, and giving birth to new forms. Among its many transformations, soul jazz stands as one of the most captivating and enduring. Rooted in the blues, gospel, and rhythm & blues, soul jazz emerged in the late 1950s and flourished through the 1960s, fusing deep grooves with the improvisational freedom of jazz.
At the heart of soul jazz were artists who combined the earthy expressiveness of the blues, the call-and-response energy of gospel, and the hard-swinging drive of bebop. Pianists like Horace Silver, Ramsey Lewis, and Les McCann, organists like Jimmy Smith and Brother Jack McDuff, and saxophonists like Cannonball Adderley and Stanley Turrentine all played pivotal roles in shaping this groove-infused sound.
The Sound of Soul Jazz: Hit Songs That Defined the Genre
The soul jazz era was filled with unforgettable tunes that crossed over from the jazz world into broader popular culture. Some of the most iconic include:
“The In Crowd” – Ramsey Lewis Trio (1965)
“Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” – Cannonball Adderley (1966)
“All About My Girl” – Jimmy McGriff (1963)
“Back at the Chicken Shack” – Jimmy Smith (1960)
“Compared to What” – Les McCann & Eddie Harris (1969)
These tracks embodied everything that made soul jazz so infectious—relatable melodies, funky rhythms, blues-drenched solos, and a deep sense of swing. They didn’t just resonate with jazz audiences; they became cultural touchstones, influencing everything from R&B to hip-hop.
Les McCann: A Soul Jazz Pioneer
Among the titans of the soul jazz movement, Les McCann holds a unique place. A self-taught pianist with an unmistakable gospel-infused touch, McCann brought a raw, emotional energy to his music that set him apart. His landmark 1969 album “Swiss Movement,” recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival with saxophonist Eddie Harris, became one of the defining records of the era.
The album’s breakout track, “Compared to What”, remains one of the most powerful and socially charged jazz recordings of all time, blending McCann’s soulful vocals with a politically conscious lyric and a relentless groove. But his influence extended far beyond one song—McCann was a trailblazer in integrating jazz with the rhythms of funk, soul, and rock, paving the way for what would later evolve into jazz-funk and fusion.
Joe Alterman: Carrying the Soul Jazz Torch at the Art of Jazz Series
Fast forward to today, and few pianists embody the spirit and feel of soul jazz quite like Joe Alterman. Described by legendary critic Nat Hentoff as playing with “the controlled abandon of a young Les McCann”, Alterman has made it his mission to keep this deeply grooving, feel-good jazz alive for new generations. A mission that he sometimes refers to as “Southern jazz.”
As part of the Art of Jazz Series, Alterman will bring his high-energy, deeply swinging tribute to Les McCann to Buffalo—an event that no jazz lover should miss. His performances capture not just the notes, but the joy, humor, and deep blues feel that made McCann’s music so timeless.
Don’t Miss This Celebration of Soul Jazz
The Art of Jazz Series has long been Buffalo’s most esteemed jazz series, bringing internationally acclaimed artists to the city. Joe Alterman’s tribute to Les McCann is not just a concert—it’s a celebration of a jazz movement that continues to inspire.
Get your tickets now and experience the groove, the soul, and the history of jazz like never before.
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I will be there representing my late father who loved Les Mccan!
Excellent! Say hello when you are there!!