Milt Jackson - Meets The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Explosive (1999)
Release 1999 | FLAC(image + cue + log) Lossless | 11 tracks | 394 Mb
Genre: Big Band Jazz | Label: Qwest Records

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.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.

Personnel:
* 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
* 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)

TRACK LIST:
1 Bags' Groove - 5:51
Written-By - Milt Jackson
2 Since I Fell For You - 7:39
Written-By - Woodrow Buddy Johnson*
3 Evidence - 5:22
Written-By - Thelonious Monk
4 Back Home Again In Indiana - 3:25
Written-By - Ballard MacDonald, James Hanley*
5 Deed I Do - 5:20
Written-By - Rose*, Hirsch*
6. The Nearness Of You - 5:18
Written-By - Hoagy Carmichael, Ned Washington
7. Major Deagan (Blues For Dan) - 5:34
Written-By - Milt Jackson
8. Emily - 5:46
Written-By - Johnny Mandel, Johnny Mercer
9. Along Came Betty - 6:51
Written-By - Benny Golson
10. Revibal Meeting - 5:57
Written-By - John Clayton, Jr.*
11. Recovery - 6:43
Written-By - Milt Jackson