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.
Old Devil Moon
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something in your eyes I see
Soon begins bewitching me
It's that old devil moon
That you stole from the skies
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
You and you glance make this romance
Stars in the night
Blazing their light
Can't hold a candle
To your razzle-dazzle
You've got me flyin' high and wide
On a magic carpet ride
Full of butterflies inside
Wanna cry, wanna croon
Wanna laugh like a loon
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
Just when I think
I'm free as a dove
Old devil moon
Deep in your eyes
Blinds me with love
The song "Old Devil Moon" by Milt Jackson is a classic love song with a jazzy twist. The lyrics describe the feeling of being enamoured by someone's eyes, which seem to be bewitching the singer. Throughout the song, the singer describes the powerful effect this person's gaze has on them, likening it to a magic carpet ride, full of butterflies and wild emotions. The title of the song, "Old Devil Moon," represents the seductive, alluring power of love that can take over one's emotions and actions, like a devil. The singer acknowledges this power and recognizes that they are powerless to resist it.
The first two lines of the song set the tone for the entire track, as the singer sings about something in the other person's eyes that has taken over their heart and mind. The song then goes on to talk about the intense, almost overwhelming passion that this person ignites in them. The imagery of stars in the night and the blazing light they create is used to emphasize the intensity of the emotions they feel. The singer recognizes that their love is consumed by this intense feeling, and no other love can compare. The song concludes with the realization that they are powerless in the face of such love.
Overall, "Old Devil Moon" is a timeless and enchanting song that captures the all-consuming power of love. It reminds us that love can be both beautiful and dangerous, and is a force to be reckoned with.
Line by Line Meaning
I look at you and suddenly
As soon as I gaze upon you
Something in your eyes I see
I perceive something in the look of your eyes
Soon begins bewitching me
I am quickly enchanted by it
It's that old devil moon
This enchantment comes from a powerful source
That you stole from the skies
This source is like a heavenly body that you have taken down to bring this enchanting quality to your eyes
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
The reason for the enchantment I experience when I look at you lies in the celestial orb reflected in your gaze
You and you glance make this romance
Your mere gaze and the interpersonal interaction it sparks
Too hot to handle
Are so exciting that I find them almost overwhelming
Stars in the night
The stars in the night sky
Blazing their light
Which shine with great intensity
Can't hold a candle
Can't compare with or match
To your razzle-dazzle
To the captivating glitz and glamour
You've got me flyin' high and wide
You make me feel euphoric and ecstatic
On a magic carpet ride
As if I was being carried through the air by an enchanting airborne object
Full of butterflies inside
My stomach is filled with fluttering sensations
Wanna cry, wanna croon
I feel an urge to cry and to sing softly
Wanna laugh like a loon
I also feel a desire to burst out in laughter like a crazy person
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
All of these feelings are still caused by the celestial quality in your gaze
Just when I think
Even when I believe
I'm free as a dove
I am finally free from the spell of the celestial object
Old devil moon
The enchanting force of the celestial object
Deep in your eyes
Is present in your gaze
Blinds me with love
And causes me to experience an overwhelming feeling of love
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Burton Lane, E. Y. Harburg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mfreeman313
Did Milt Jackson ever take a so-so solo in his life? Suave, muscular, swinging, super-tasty stuff always. Just a master.
Dan Drecksage
I have this album on vinyl, and it never grows old. Just a great ensemble, with impeccable engineering by Rudy Van Gelder. Especially fine bass and percussion - thank you, Ron Carter and Steve Gadd.
Leonardo Paternostro
A master piece!
Michael Hayes
Perfect! Milt kills it! Steve Gadd kills it! Nice. Thanks. CTI did some nice stuff.
Eugene Pedoto
One of my favorite songs from Burton Lane with lyrics by Yip Harburg.. Just heard it on WBGO 88.3 FM. Ordered it online immediately. Can't wait for arrival.
Michael Hayes
I love this version. Everybody kills it. Steve Gadd on drums. I loved CTI records. They did it right. Jazz for popular people - not pop jazz. And we can't hear their music anymore on line. So sad. Put it up!
Charles Flowers
I subscribed, great music. Thanks for sharing.