Milt Jackson - Ballads & Blues (1956) {2012 Japan 24-bit Remaster} [Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series]

Milt Jackson - Ballads & Blues (1956) {2012 Japan 24-bit Remaster} [Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series]

Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Vibes

Features 24 bit digital remastering. Comes with a mini description. Ballads & Blues is an album by American jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson featuring performances recorded in 1956 and released on the Atlantic label. The unassuming title of this compilation understates the fact that Milt Jackson is a master of ballad and blues forms, and an inspired collaborator when working flautists. The small group settings for these performances allow the players -- some of the very best in jazz and all in top form -- to be heard to full advantage. The guitarists are particularly effective, the crisp, cool tones of Skeeter Best, Barry Galbraith, Barney Kessel, and Kenny Burrell complementing the rich, ringing cascade from Jackson's vibes. Of note from 1956's Ballads and Blues are two performances with tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson. These will be appreciated by anyone who has enjoyed Jackson's work with Thompson on the Savoy label. The 1956 date also has three Ralph Burns arrangements that augment the players with a woodwind quintet. While neither overly lush or cloying, the oboes, etc., still don't add a lot to what the core group has to say. Personnel: Milt Jackson – vibes Lucky Thompson - tenor saxophone (tracks 6, 8 & 9) John Lewis - piano (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 9) Skeeter Best (tracks 6, 8 & 9), Barry Galbraith (tracks 1, 3 & 5), Barney Kessel (tracks 2, 4 & 7) – guitar Percy Heath (tracks 2, 4 & 7), Oscar Pettiford (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 9) - bass Kenny Clarke (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 & 9), Lawrence Marable (tracks 2, 4 & 7) – drums tracklist: 01 - So in Love 02 - These Foolish Things 03 - Solitude 04 - The Song Is Ended 05 - They Didn't Believe Me 06 - How High the Moon 07 - Gerry's Blues 08 - Hello 09 - Bright Blues