Today, jazz fans can celebrate a new release as Joe Alterman & Mocean Worker (Adam Dorn) unveil their cover of the Les McCann classic “Burnin’ Coal.” This marks the third single from their forthcoming album, Keep The Line Open, which will be released on September 26 via MOWO! Inc.
The nine-track album is a vibrant celebration of McCann’s sound and the spirit of 1960s soul jazz. From funky late-night club vibes to nods to Latin grooves and gospel-like intensity, the project captures the energy and joy that defined McCann’s music. The limited-edition 180-gram orange vinyl also includes a 10-page insert featuring extensive liner notes by Alterman, Dorn, and Michael Smith, as well as rare and previously unpublished photos of McCann by Sharon Josepho.
Both Alterman and Dorn share a deep connection with McCann, who served as a mentor, collaborator, and friend. Alterman first met the pianist at New York City’s Blue Note, where McCann encouraged him to play blues during a soundcheck, ultimately giving Alterman his approval with a simple “Amen.” Dorn, through his father Grammy-winning producer Joel Dorn, had known McCann for years and worked with him on multiple projects, including live and reissue albums.
It was McCann’s passing that brought Alterman and Dorn together to create Keep The Line Open. Inspired by McCann’s legacy, the duo combined Dorn’s rhythmic ideas with Alterman’s improvisation to craft songs that feel both spontaneous and meticulously arranged.
“Burnin’ Coal” embodies McCann’s triumphant spirit, with a killer bass line, infectious rhythm, and piano grooves that are impossible to ignore. Alterman and Dorn aimed to both honor McCann’s classic track and infuse it with their own creative energy.
The full album spans multiple moods and textures:
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Funky grooves (“Gimme Some Skin”)
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Latin-inspired rhythms (“Moses Gonzalez”)
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Backbeat-heavy jazz (“I Love It!, I Love It!, I Love It!”)
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Soulful, church-like moments (“Yay Yay Yay”)
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Psychedelic 60s vibes (“Circus Going Backwards”)
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Modern, contemporary jazz (“Lemme Tell You Something”)
Throughout, McCann’s influence shines through, with his wit, humor, and loving nature echoing in every note.
Keep The Line Open is more than an album—it’s a musical celebration of a jazz legend and an era that defined modern soul jazz. Drawing inspiration from artists like Ramsey Lewis, Ahmad Jamal, Eddie Harris, and Cannonball Adderley, the album captures the joy, energy, and life-affirming spirit that McCann exemplified. For listeners, it’s a journey through the past and a reminder of the timelessness of soulful jazz.
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