Search - Milt Jackson :: Sa Va Bella (For Lady Legends)

Warm and wonderful with a touch of history...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 04/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've always felt that the vibraphone was an even better way to introduce the skittish listener to jazz than say, the piano. There is something about vibes that just works for me, and has ever since I began to explore jazz recordings in my early teens. Who better on the vibes than Milt Jackson, who has been perfecting his craft for about 60 years? This collection was done in 1997, and the man does not sound "old", just skilled. The CD does not have the most interesting cover art, but the music is great. Jackson pays tribute to some of his favorite female vocalists by including their signature tunes, with singer Etta Jones frequently "subbing" for Ella, Dinah, Sarah, Billie and the rest. The drums, bass and piano parts are also handled well. A glance at the track listings tells you there are some great songs on here: "Lady Be Good" and "What a Difference a Day Made" and Ella Fitzgerald's first hit "A Tisket A Tasket" and even "Send in the Clowns." Good for a serious first listen with headphones, then great for background while you read or do housework or sit at a computer. If you like Milt Jackson, or the vibes in general, or the songs identified with those great vocalists mentioned above, you can't go wrong with this item."