A very expressive player, Jackson differentiated himself from other vibraphonists in his attention to variations on harmonics and rhythm. He was particularly fond of the twelve-bar blues at slow tempos. He preferred to set the vibraphone's oscillator to a low 3.3 revolutions per second (as opposed to Lionel Hampton's speed of 10 revolutions per second) for a more subtle vibrato. On occasion, Jackson would also sing and play piano professionally.
He was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie, who hired him for his sextet in 1946. He quickly acquired experience working with the most important figures in jazz of the era, including John Coltrane, Woody Herman, Howard McGhee, Thelonious Monk, and Charlie Parker. In the Gillespie big band one of his jobs was to play in a quartet with John Lewis, Percy Heath, and Kenny Clarke while the horn section took a break from the demanding high-register horn parts. This group became the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ), which had a long independent career of 20 years until disbanding in 1974 over financial problems (though it reformed in 1981). Jackson then toured alone, performing in various small combos.
From the mid-70s to the mid-80s, Jackson recorded for Norman Granz's Pablo Records, including the classic, "Jackson, Johnson, Brown & Company" (1983), featuring Jackson with J.J. Johnson on trombone, Ray Brown on bass, backed by Tom Ranier on piano, guitarist John Collins, and drummer Roy McCurdy.
He also guested on recordings by many leading jazz, blues and soul artists, such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, etc.
His composition "Bags' Groove" ("Bags" was his nickname, from the 'bags' under his eyes from staying up late) is a jazz standard. He has been featured on the NPR radio program Jazz Profiles.
I'm Beginning To See The Light
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never wink back at fireflies
But now that the stars are in your eyes
I'm beginning to see the light
I never went in for afterglow
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
But now when you turn the lamp down low
Used to ramble through the park
Shadowboxing in the dark
Then you came and caused a spark
That's a four-alarm fire now
I never made love by lantern-shine
I never saw rainbows in my wine
But now that your lips are burning mine
I'm beginning to see the light
The song "I'm Beginning To See The Light" by Milt Jackson, expresses the idea of a person's perspective changing after meeting someone. The first verse starts with the idea that the singer never cared much for moonlit skies or the beauty of nature around them. However, after meeting this person, they begin to observe the stars in the other's eyes and notice the light that surrounds them. The second verse speaks about the afterglow and candlelight that the person never paid attention to before, but now that this third party is in their life, they begin to take notice of romance and the light that comes from it.
The third verse portrays a lost and wandering personality, someone who used to wander through parks, shadowboxing in the dark. But after meeting this third party, a spark is ignited, and the fire within them grows stronger. The final verse describes how the singer never paid attention to the beauty around them, and how their life lacked color and vibrancy, but now that they are with this person, their lips are "burning" which can represent passion, love or desire. The singer is beginning to see the light, as they start to experience new insights, new perspectives, and a new life with this person.
Line by Line Meaning
I never cared much for moonlit skies
I have never really been interested in romantic settings or environments, such as gazing at a night sky.
I never wink back at fireflies
I have never noticed or paid attention to the small things that people find romantic, like fireflies.
But now that the stars are in your eyes
However, since I see the twinkle in your eyes and you are captivating my attention, I have started appreciating the beauty of the night sky.
I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to understand and recognize the appeal of romantic moments and how they can enhance a relationship.
I never went in for afterglow
I was never one for the warm, pleasant feeling after a romantic encounter or moment.
Or candlelight on the mistletoe
I never considered the tradition of sharing a kiss under the mistletoe, nor was I interested in setting the mood with candlelight.
But now when you turn the lamp down low
However, now that you have set the mood by lowering the light, I am starting to see things differently and appreciate the romantic setting.
I never made love by lantern-shine
I never considered having a romantic moment by candlelight or the light of a lantern.
I never saw rainbows in my wine
I never considered the beauty and romance of simple things like a glass of wine or the sight of a rainbow.
But now that your lips are burning mine
Now that we are kissing and experiencing this moment together, I am starting to see the beauty and romance in such simple things.
I'm beginning to see the light
I am starting to understand and appreciate the romance and beauty of the world around me, especially when shared with a loved one.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Don George, Harry James, Johnny Hodges
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind