McLean is the regular trumpeter for Iron and Wine, with whom he has toured North America.
McLean's work as a recording artist includes sessions for famed producers such as Bosco Mann, Mark Ronson, Wyclef Jean and Tony Visconte as well as labels such as Daptone Records, Blue Note Records, Verve, Razor and Tie, Desco, Ropeadope Records, Ninja Tune, and JDub Records.