Here is Milt Jackson, one of the most soulful and inspired soloists of all time on any instrument and perhaps the most commanding of vibes players, working outside the Modern Jazz Quartet at two points in his legendary career. The first two tracks, from the Prestige catalog, capture him in loosely organized blowing sessions that emphasize his mastery of the blues, while the remainder of the program surveys the contexts (all-star encounters, large ensemble settings, and live performances) that Jackson employed during his Riverside period. Jackson always worked in elevated company, as the presence of Cannonball Adderley, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Dorham, Horace Silver, Jimmy Heath, and other giants indicates.

with Horace Silver, Percy Heath, Kenny Clarke, Cannonball Adderley, Wynton Kelly, Art Blakey, Wes Montgomery, Sam Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Kenny Dorham, Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, Clark Terry, Hank Jones, Jerome Richardson, Snooky Young, and others