Wizard of the Vibes

The great jazz vibraphonist, Milt Jackson, was born on January 1, 1923.

Let's start the New Year off with a heavy dose of coolness. And you can't get any more cool than some old school jazz vibraphone, played by Bags himself.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of the vibes. They have such a rich, mellow sound, so smooth and easy, that I can't help but feel laid-back when I hear them. Sometimes I fancy trying to learn how to play them, but time and money have always got in the way, and the instrument tales up a lot of space, not something that will put away easy in a closet or a case. ;-)

Yet, I'm happy to just be a listener and enthusiast, admiring the artistry of Milt Jackson, who brings out the beauty of the vibes like no other musician. It's magical.

Milt Jackson playing at Parnell's in Seattle circa 1980 (Photo: Steven M. O'Kelley)

Good vibrations for certain!!!

Let's listen to some fine tunes:

Modern Jazz Quartet performing "Winter Tale" in 1962

Modern Jazz Quartet performing "Bag's Groove" in 1982

"What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" (1972)

"Round Midnight" (1990)

Enjoy!!!