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.
If You Sould See Me Now
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One look is all you'd need to see the mood I'm in.
Perhaps then you'd realize I'm still in love with you.
If you could see me now, you'd find me being brave
And trying awfully hard to make my tears behave
But that's quite impossible, I'm still in love with you.
You'll happen my way on some mem'rable day
I'll try to smile but can I play the part
Without my heart behind the smile?
The way I feel for you I never could disguise
The look of love is written plainly in my eyes.
I think you'd be mine again if you could see me now.
The lyrics of Milt Jackson's song "If You Could See Me Now" are a melancholic reflection on lost love. The singer expresses a deep sense of sadness and loneliness, suggesting that if his former lover were to see him now, she would recognize how much he is still in love with her. This sense of unrequited longing is evident throughout the song, as the singer describes his attempts to be brave and control his emotions, but ultimately succumbs to the overpowering feelings he still has for his past love.
The lyrics are particularly effective in the way that they convey the sense of vulnerability and emotional honesty of the singer. The use of imagery is also notable, as the month of May is used to symbolize the possibility of new beginnings and the hope of reconciliation with the lost love. However, the singer's doubts about whether he can truly "play the part" of a happy and contented person without his heart fully behind the effort is a poignant reminder that the pain of lost love is ever-present.
Overall, Milt Jackson's lyrics are a powerful reflection on the difficulties of moving on after a breakup and the enduring nature of deep emotional attachment.
Line by Line Meaning
If you could see me now, you'd know how blue I've been
Seeing me now would reveal that I've been very sad
One look is all you'd need to see the mood I'm in.
A single glance would convey my emotional state
Perhaps then you'd realize I'm still in love with you.
You might come to the realization that I am still deeply in love with you
If you could see me now, you'd find me being brave
I am attempting to seem courageous if you were here to witness it
And trying awfully hard to make my tears behave
I am doing my best to prevent myself from crying
But that's quite impossible, I'm still in love with you.
Despite my efforts, it is impossible for me to hide that I am still in love with you
You'll happen my way on some mem'rable day
I believe you will cross my path again someday
And the month will be May for a while.
I imagine this meeting taking place in the month of May
I'll try to smile but can I play the part
I will attempt to appear happy, but I wonder if I can convincingly act that way
Without my heart behind the smile?
Can I smile without simultaneously feeling the love in my heart?
The way I feel for you I never could disguise
I am incapable of hiding the intense feelings I have for you
The look of love is written plainly in my eyes.
A clear expression of love can be seen in my eyes
I think you'd be mine again if you could see me now.
I believe that if you were to witness my current feelings, we could rekindle our relationship
Lyrics ยฉ SEVENTH HOUSE LTD.
Written by: CARL SIGMAN, TADD DAMERON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Molefe Mogadime
I was introduced to Milt Jackson & MJQ at an early age and this influenced our love ๐ for this music gentre along with other teenagers in the ghettos of South Africa. ๐ถ๐๐
Najponk Jazz
Yeah ๐น you know your stuff ๐๐๐๐we had the best ever audience in South Africa ๐ธ your people simply the best ๐น
al turner
Bought this album age 14.
Still sounds brilliant
ใใใใซใฉใน
ใใฎใขใซใใ ใฏๅฝผใฎๆ้ซๅไฝใ ใจ็งใฏๆใฃใฆใใพใ๐ถ๐ถ๐
Pule Senatla
Soul deep
German Surdey
Many thanks indeed for this upload. this is the kind of jazz I grew up with. the one that disappeared mostly at the end of the seventies if not before. when I lost interest for my music. therefore so many tha nks for allowing me to get back to what I really loved and appreciated.
German Surdey
@Ronald Unkel many thanks Ronsld. My cancer doesn't want to leave me ! In spite of all we ate doung and all the money I am spending. But that's life ! I am glad I have YT and jazz as a pasttime. Cheers and G'day to you too. And kerp swingin'
Ronald Unkel
I feel the same Germain. Hope all goes well for you. Take care & Cheers!
Po Lo
Cannonball, tu es dรฉmasquรฉย ! Sors de ce Ronnie Petersย !
Adelardo De Narbardi
24:00
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