Les McCann

Pianist Les McCann was one of the West Coast's few Soul Jazz stars during the funkified 1960s. His catchy, rhythmic style captures a solid groove and his work is always joyous and soulful yet McCann also excells at slow, impressionist ballads that build in intensity. A bluesy singer himself, he also excels at backing up other vocalists and musicians. He has recently bounced back with an even more economical style after a serious stroke. Good timing too, since McCann has become one of the darlings of the Acid Jazz movement and one of the most sampled jazz artists around.