Artist: Milt Jackson
Album: Wizard Of The Vibes
Genre: Jazz
Release Date: 1952/2022
Audio Format:: FLAC (tracks) 24 bit, 192 kHz
Duration: 24:46
Total Tracks: 8
Total Size: 857 MB

Tracklist:

1-1. Milt Jackson – Tahiti (2001 Remaster) (03:27)
1-2. Milt Jackson – Lillie (2001 Remaster) (03:15)
1-3. Milt Jackson – Criss Cross (1999 Remaster) (02:56)
1-4. Milt Jackson – Willow Weep For Me (03:00)
1-5. Milt Jackson – What’s New (2001 Remaster) (03:14)
1-6. Milt Jackson – Bags’ Groove (2001 Remaster) (03:05)
1-7. Milt Jackson – On The Scene (2001 Remaster) (02:43)
1-8. Milt Jackson – Eronel (03:02)

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“Wizard of the Vibes” was recorded in several sessions between 1948 and 1952, and is a compilation of performances by vibraphonist Milt Jackson. It features performances of his playing with The Thelonious Monk Quintet and The Modern Jazz Quartet plus Lou Donaldson.The music on Wizard of the Vibes features Milt Jackson with the Thelonious Monk Quartet in a 1948 session combined with a 1952 date with his bandmates from the Modern Jazz Quartet (at that time including John Lewis, Percy Heath, and Kenny Clarke) along with alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson, who was oddly credited as the leader of the date on the original release, though it clearly seems to be Jackson in charge. The chemistry between Jackson and Monk on classics like “Misterioso,” “Evidence,” “I Mean You,” and “Epistrophy” is immediately apparent, although Kenny “Pancho” Hagood’s vocals on the standards “All the Things You Are” and “I Should Care” remain an acquired taste. Jackson introduces three originals on the latter session, including the debut of his highly acclaimed “Bag’s Groove,” which has long since become one of the most celebrated and popular jazz compositions. Lewis’ uncanny musical ESP is evident throughout the session, as he feeds Jackson imaginative lines for his improvisations. Donaldson is enjoyable at times but doesn’t always play at a level equal to the rhythm section, resorting to rather run-of-the-mill ideas in some of his improvisations. Milt Jackson’s inventive playing throughout both dates makes this an important LP in his considerable discography, so it should be a part of any bop fan’s collection.