MILT JACKSON
To Bags...With Love (Pablo)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The world has probably not yet measured the dimension of loss that occurred with the passing of Milt Jackson. A definitive stylist on the vibes, he helped shape the sound of jazz as a member of The Modern Jazz Quartet, the leader of countless club and studio sessions and as an accompanist in every conceivable band configuration. For example, the eleven cuts assembled for this tribute open with Bags and Oscar Peterson in a duet homage to Count Basie and close with Jackson's vibraphone joining the full Count Basie Orchestra. In between there are quartets, quintets and big bands, in sessions led by Jackson, Basie, Cannonball Adderly, Benny Carter, Miles Davis and Roy Eldridge.

In addition to the stellar lineup of leaders, there are performances by Monty Alexander, Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Tommy Flanagan, Percy Heath, Hank Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Wynton Kelly, Thelonius Monk, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Clark Terry, among others. But on each selection, no matter how noteworthy the players participating might have been, the glue that held the performance together was Milt Jackson. The man was an immeasurable musical treasure, and there are eleven incomparable reasons why collected here.

Track List:

Mister Basie * Ralph's New Blues * Blues For Edith * Recado Bossa Nova * S.K.J. * If You Could See Me Now * Bag's Groove (Take 1) * Easy Money * Things Are Getting Better * Yano * Corner Pocket

© 2000 - Shaun Dale