Explosive!

by Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Milt Jackson

Overview

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. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	02/23/1999
Label:	Qwest / Warner Bros.
UPC:	0093624728627

Tracks

1. Bags' Groove
2. Since I Fell for You
3. Evidence
4. (Back Home Again In) Indiana
5. 'Deed I Do
6. The Nearness of You
7. Major Deagan (Blues for Dan)
8. Emily
9. Along Came Betty
10. Revival Meeting
11. Recovery

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Milt Jackson   Primary Artist,Vibraphone
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra   Primary Artist
Steve Clayton   Primary Artist
Rickey Woodard   Guest Artist
Snooky Young   Guest Artist
Charles Owens   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor),Clarinet
Keith Fiddmont   Flute,Clarinet,Sax (Alto)
Clay Jenkins   Trumpet
Jeff Clayton   Flute,Clarinet,Sax (Alto)
Jeff Hamilton   Drums
Maurice Spears   Trombone (Bass)
John Clayton   Conductor,Bowed Bass
Oscar Brashear   Trumpet
Byron Stripling   Trumpet
Jim Hershman   Guitar
Bobby Rodriguez   Trumpet
Lee Callet   Sax (Baritone),Clarinet (Bass)
Ira Nepus   Trombone
Christoph Luty   Bass
Bill Cunliffe   Piano

Technical Credits

John Clayton, Jr.   Producer
Benny Golson   Composer
Johnny Mandel   Composer
John Clayton   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Walter Hirsch   Composer
Johnny Mercer   Composer
Ned Washington   Composer
Milt Jackson   Composer,Producer
Thelonious Monk   Composer
James F. Hanley   Composer
Buddy Johnson   Composer
Hoagy Carmichael   Composer
Steve Clayton   Performer
Ric Wilson   Mastering
Ed Fotheringham   Illustrations
Gail W. Boyd   Production Coordination
Ballard MacDonald   Composer
Joel Moss   Engineer,Mixing
Gary G. Vercelli   Liner Notes
Fred Rose   Composer