Search - Milt Jackson :: Ballad Artistry of / Vibrations

Value for your 'vestment in vibes...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 09/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disc combines two Atlantic LP's: "Ballad Artistry" from 1960, and "Vibrations" from 1964. The 18 tracks last 75 minutes. This is pretty typical Milt---light, fun, skilled, with more-than-competent accompaniment. On the ballad album, a young Quincy Jones arranged the majority of the nine tunes, and conducted a fairly large band behind Jackson.The group includes violins, flute and cello in addition to the more common guitar, bass and drums. From the first notes of the opening tune, "The Cylinder", a Jackson original, one knows this is Milt and the gig will be fun to hear. On the "Vibrations" half, Jackson is heard on eight tunes with varied accompaniment: five songs are done with what is called in the liner notes "a big small band" of eight guys and Milt. On another tune, the trumpet, trombone and sax drop away, leaving a sextet. On two of the tunes, a quintet of voices joins Jackson's vibes, along with Kenny Burrell on guitar, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Connie Kay on drums, and George Duvivier on bass. Enough said, really. If you like Milt Jackson's playing, this CD is quite a bargain."

Pleasantly Surprised

Dorothy Hirsch | Victoria, BC Canada | 03/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard of Milt Jackson . It's a good thing for the sampler so we can check things out before buying. Never get tired of it and I play it all the time in my car. Great CD. Would highly recommend it to any jazz lover."