Milt Jackson - Meets The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - 1999

Milt Jackson - Meets The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - 1999 - Explosive

This is such a logical combination. When vibraphonist Milt Jackson and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra appeared together at the Jazz Bakery near Los Angeles during the same period as this CD was recorded, Jackson (who usually frowns when he plays) could not stop smiling. He loved both John Clayton's arrangements and the sound of the 19-piece orchestra. Jackson, a major voice on his instrument since at least 1946, seemed as happy listening to the band as he did playing with it. And although he has the most solos, he does not overshadow the mighty ensemble on this CD. Longtime fans of the big band are used to hearing the orchestra feature drummer Jeff Hamilton's brushes on a slow rendition of "Indiana," and both the bowed bass of John Clayton and the lyrical alto of Jeff Clayton on Johnny Mandel's classic "Emily." Both of those selections are give definitive treatment on this CD and some of the other better numbers are Jackson's trademark "Bags' Groove," Thelonious Monk's "Evidence," "Along Came Betty," and a few originals. Throughout, the swinging by the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra is worthy of Count Basie, Milt Jackson often sounds exuberant, and together they have collaborated in creating an instant classic. (AllMusic)

Track list:
01 - Bags' Groove
02 - Since I Fell For You
03 - Evidence
04 - Back Home Again In Indiana
05 - Deed I Do
06 - The Nearness Of You
07 - Major Deagan (Blues For Dan)
08 - Emily
09 - Along Came Betty
10 - Revibal Meeting
11 - Recovery

Alto Saxophone [Lead], Flute, Clarinet, Leader – Jeff Clayton (3)
Alto Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Keith Fiddmont (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Lee Callet (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Bass – Christoph Luty (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Drums, Leader – Jeff Hamilton
Guitar – Jim Hershman (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Piano – Bill Cunliffe
Vibraphone – Milt Jackson
Soloist, Alto Saxophone – Jeff Clayton (3) (tracks: 8, 9)
Soloist, Arco Bass – John Clayton, Jr.* (tracks: 7, 8)
Soloist, Drums – Jeff Hamilton (tracks: 4, 10)
Soloist, Piano – Bill Cunliffe (tracks: 9)
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Ricky Woodard* (tracks: 1, 5, 9)
Soloist, Trombone – George Bohanon (tracks: 1, 5, 9), Ira Nepus (tracks: 5), Isaac Smith (tracks: 5), Maurice Spears (tracks: 5)
Soloist, Trumpet – Bobby Rodriguez (tracks: 3), Clay Jenkins (tracks: 3, 5), "Snooky" Young* (tracks: 7), Oscar Brashear (tracks: 3, 5, 9)
Soloist, Vibraphone – Milt Jackson (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 11)
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Charles Owens (tracks: 1 to 9, 11), Ricky Woodard*
Trombone – George Bohanon, Isaac Smith (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Trombone [Bass] – Maurice Spears (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Trombone [Lead] – Ira Nepus (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Trumpet – Bobby Rodriguez, Clay Jenkins (tracks: 1 to 9, 11), Eugene "Snooky" Young* (tracks: 1 to 9, 11), Oscar Brashear (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)
Trumpet [Lead] – Byron Stripling (tracks: 1 to 9, 11)

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