Artist:Milt Jackson Meets The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Song:Bags' Groove
Album:Explosive!
This outstanding big band CD appears to be the final recording of legendary jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson. He was born Jan. 1, 1923 in Detroit. His big break came in 1946 when Dizzy Gillespie disscovered him and hired him for his big band. There were very few vibes players at the time so Jackson was an in demand session musician. In 1952, Jackson recorded with pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Kenny Clarke. They would form the Modern Jazz Quartet and were very popular until they split in 1974. Meanwhile Jackson recorded as a leader on a regular basis and on sessions too. After MJQ split up, he continued to record and tour regularly. He signed with Quincy Jones' Qwest label in the early 90s. This CD is with the Los Angeles big band Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra led by bassist John Clayton, his sax player brother Jeff Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton. Jackson had played some live dates with the band and really enjoyed John Clayton's arrangement of the classic Jackson tune Bags' Groove. It's a very strong record. Milt Jackson died on Oct. 9, 1999 at age 76 but as you will tell by the following 1999 video clip, he never lost anything as a senior. Here's Milt Jackson (light brown jacket) with fellow vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson along with Allen LaDonne on piano, Pierre Boussoquet on bass and Mickey Roker on drums performing Bags' Groove on a French TV show.
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