I'm interested to hear what euphonium players think of him, and I'm a bit surprised that he hasn't been discussed more on this forum.
While it seems that Rich Matteson is the euphonium players' favorite jazz player, Bernard McKinney was more involved in the groundbreaking innovation in Detroit and New York hard-bop scenes, and seems to occupy a more central role in the history of the development of jazz.
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg...3zfixqt5ldfe~T1
He was a featured soloist on one of the greatest Blue Note recordings of the hard bop era - Freddie Hubbard's "Ready For Freddie." He is also on some terrific recordings with Donald Byrd, Yusef Lateef, Hank Mobley and Pepper Adams, among others.
I would have to say that his improvisation is not quite at the level of a Freddie Hubbard or Yusef Lateef, and that he isn't quite as technically proficient as Rich Matteson (and certainly doesn't have the "classic" euph sound). However, I'd also say that his nuanced jazz feel, naturalness of expression, and understanding of the language of jazz improvisation is unparalleled for jazz euphonium players.
I'd definitely recommend that any euphonium player interested in hearing the euphonium's potential as a jazz instrument needs to check out some of his recordings.
Anyone else here ever hear his playing and have an opinion?