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.
In A Sentimental Mood
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can see the stars come thru my room
While your loving attitude
Is like a flame that lights the gloom
On the wings of ev'ry kiss
Drift a melody so strange and sweet
In this sentimental bliss you make my
Paradise complete
It's all like a dream to call you mine
My heart's lighter thing
Since you made me this night a thing divine
In A Sentimental Mood
I'm within a world so heavenly
For I never dreamt
That you'd be loving sentimental me
In A Sentimental Mood
I can see the stars come thru my room
While your loving attitude
Is like a flame that lights the gloom
On the wings of ev'ry kiss
Drift a melody so strange and sweet
In this sentimental bliss you make my
Paradise complete
Rose pearls seem to fall
It's all like a dream to call you mine
My heart's lighter thing
Since you made me this night a thing divine
In A Sentimental Mood
I'm within a world so heavenly
For I never dreamt
That you'd be loving sentimental me
Milt Jackson's "In A Sentimental Mood" is a romantic and dreamy ballad that expresses the singer's intense feelings of love and devotion. The lyrics describe the sensation of being wrapped up in the sweetness of a loved one's embrace, where even the stars seem brighter and every kiss transports them to a different world. The song is drenched in sentimentality, with the singer being overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotional experience. The imagery of rose petals falling and a melody drifting on the wings of each kiss further adds to the romanticism of the song.
The song's title is also its dominant mood - the feeling of sentimentality that the singer finds themselves in. The word "sentimental" has its root in the Latin word "sentimentum," which means feeling or emotion. Sentimentality is often associated with nostalgia and a longing for the past, but in this song, it is portrayed as a positive and life-affirming experience. The singer is swept away by their feelings, and the song paints a beautiful picture of an idealized emotional state.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see the stars come thru my room
The singer is able to see the stars shining brightly through their window, which creates a calming and peaceful effect.
While your loving attitude Is like a flame that lights the gloom
The love and affection of the singer's partner is a powerful force that brings light into their life, dispelling any darkness or sadness.
On the wings of ev'ry kiss Drift a melody so strange and sweet
Every time the two kiss, the singer hears a beautiful and unique melody that fills them with happiness and joy.
In this sentimental bliss you make my Paradise complete
The artist considers their partner to be the missing piece that completes their life and brings them ultimate happiness.
Rose pearls seem to fall It's all like a dream to call you mine
The artist considers their love with their partner to be so perfect and beautiful that it almost feels like a dream come true.
My heart's lighter thing Since you made me this night a thing divine
The singer's heart feels lighter and happier than ever before, thanks to the love and divine connection they share with their partner.
I'm within a world so heavenly For I never dreamt That you'd be loving sentimental me
The singer is overwhelmed with gratitude and amazement that their partner loves them in such a special and sentimental way, making their world feel like a heavenly place.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Manny Kurtz
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind