An amazing pairing of albums from MJQ vibraphonist Milt Jackson. Quincy Jones arranged and conducts on "Ballad Artistry," and "Vibrations" features personnel including Jimmy Heath, Connie Kay and Kenny Burrell. Highlights include Django Reinhardt's "Nuages" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Algo Bueno."

2 LP's on 1 CD: THE BALLAD ARTISTRY OF MILT JACKSON (1960)/VIBRATIONS (1964).

Includes liner notes by Nat Hentoff and Bill Coss.

THE BALLAD ARTISTRY OF MILT JACKSON:

Personnel includes: Milt Jackson (vibraphone); Quincy Jones (conductor); Don Hammond (flute); Romeo Penque (reeds); Gloria Agostini (harp); Jimmy Jones (piano); Barry Gailbraith, Chuck Wayne (guitar); Bill Crow, Milt Hinton (bass); Connie Kay (drums).

Originally released on Atlantic (1342).

VIBRATIONS:

Personnel: Milt Jackson (vibraphone); Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone); Tate Houston (baritone saxophone); Henry Boozier (trumpet); Tommy McIntosh (trombone); Tommy Flanagan (piano); Kenny Burrell (guitar); Alvin Jackson, George Duvivier (bass); Connie Kay (drums).

Originally released on Atlantic (1417).

Vibraphonist Milt Jackson's enormous capacity for invention percolates throughout the sumptuous settings on the "with strings" date, The Ballad Artistry of Milt Jackson. Jackson and the large string section, masterfully arranged and conducted by Quincy Jones, mesh beautifully. Equally critical, the rhythm section is superbly integrated in the arrangements, underpinning the billows of violins and cellos with a distinct jazz pulse. Above all, Jackson is himself, bringing his consistently flawless phrasing and subtle, but ever-present, blues feeling to his role as featured solist. Bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Connie Kay, guitarist Barry Galbraith, and pianist Jimmy Jones make up the rhythm section for this 1960 session. The other half of this compilation, 1964's Vibrations, is another fine set. This time Jackson is joined by four horns and another strong rhythm section. Tenor player Jimmy Heath, sounding satisfyingly like John Coltrane circa the start of his Atlantic period, is featured prominently. The interaction of Jackson and Heath with pianist Tommy Flanagan, drummer Connie Kay, and bassist Alvin Jackson provide the main interest. The set is nicely rounded out by two tracks with guitarist Kenny Burrell, and a small, vocal ensemble that sings wordless arrangements on the cooly swinging title tack and the hard bopping "Let Me Hear the Blues," both by Jackson. ~ Jim Todd

Genre:

• Jazz

Labels:

• Collectables Records

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Bebop

Product Groupings:

• Clearance CDs
• Collectables Records - Audio CDs

Product Series:

• From the Vaults of Atlantic Records