Milt Jackson Orchestra - Big Bags (1962)

Tracklist

01. Old Devil Moon (3:08)
02. 'Round Midnight (take 2) (6:50)
03. 'Round Midnight (take 1) (6:50)
04. The Dream Is You (3:11)
05. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (3:02)
06. Echoes (4:36)
07. If You Could See Me Now (5:17)
08. Star Eyes (take 5) (3:24)
09. Star Eyes (take 4) (3:24)
10. Namesake (3:22)
11. If I Should Lose You (3:36)
12. Later Than You Think (4:44)



Vibraphonist Milt Jackson is backed by a big band for this change-of-pace release, reissued on CD along with two alternate takes. The Ernie Wilkins and Tadd Dameron arrangements fit the high-quality standards well and Jackson (who contributed two originals) is in top form. There are short solos for cornetist Nat Adderley, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, and the tenors of James Moody and Jimmy Heath but Milt Jackson is the main voice throughout this melodic and always-swinging set. [Originally issued in 1962, Big Bags was reissued on CD in 1989 and includes bonus tracks not included on the LP.]~Scott Yanow