Les McCann

After leaving Gene McDaniels' employ in 1959, pianist Les McCann continually evolved his style from hard bop by incorporating his signature groove-based rhythms into soul-jazz, gospel, R&B, and funk. McCann's abilities also included his expressive, earthy, gravelly singing voice. He cut a slew of albums for Pacific Jazz beginning with 1960's The Truth. He signed to Atlantic in 1968 and a year later, recorded the live Swiss Movement with saxophonist Eddie Harris, netting iconic performances of "Compared to What?" and "Cold Duck Time." His Atlantic tenure (which lasted until 197...