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.
Stella By Starlight
Milt Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through years of endless springs
The murmur of a brook at eventide
That ripples through a nook where two lovers hide
That great symphonic theme
That's Stella by starlight
And not a dream
She's everything on this earth to me
That great symphonic theme
That's Stella by starlight
And not a dream
My heart and i agree
She's everything on this earth to me
In these poignant and elegant lyrics from Milt Jackson's "Stella By Starlight," the imagery evoked paints a serene and timeless picture of love and devotion. The comparison of the song a robin sings to the enduring melody that is Stella by starlight suggests an ethereal and everlasting quality to the love being described. The mention of "endless springs" and the murmuring brook at eventide serve as symbols of eternal renewal and tranquility, setting the stage for a love that transcends the passage of time.
The notion of two lovers hiding in a nook by a rippling brook carries a sense of intimacy and secrecy, as if their love is a precious secret shared only between them. This imagery underscores the theme of love being a sanctuary from the outside world, a refuge where two souls can come together in pure connection and understanding. The reference to a great symphonic theme further emphasizes the grandeur and depth of the love being celebrated, likening it to a majestic and harmonious orchestral composition that sweeps the listener off their feet.
The repetition of the line "She's everything on this earth to me" underscores the all-encompassing nature of the love being expressed. It is a sentiment of complete adoration and reverence, as if the object of the singer's affection is the very essence of their existence. The declaration that Stella by starlight is not a dream reaffirms the reality and depth of this love, suggesting that it is not a fleeting fantasy but a tangible and profound connection that holds true meaning in the singer's heart.
Overall, these lyrics from "Stella By Starlight" convey a sense of timelessness, beauty, and devotion. The imagery of nature, music, and hidden lovers creates a rich tapestry of emotions that capture the essence of a love that is both transcendent and deeply rooted in the everyday experiences of life. It is a celebration of the power of love to uplift, inspire, and bring meaning to our existence, reminding us of the eternal and transformative nature of true connection.
Line by Line Meaning
The song a robin sings
The beautiful melody that a robin sings
Through years of endless springs
Over the passing of time and seasons
The murmur of a brook at eventide
The gentle sound of a brook in the evening
That ripples through a nook where two lovers hide
Creating a peaceful setting where lovers can be together
That great symphonic theme
A magnificent and harmonious melody
That's Stella by starlight
Referring to the beauty of a woman named Stella under the night sky
And not a dream
Confirming that this feeling is real
My heart and I agree
My emotions and thoughts are in sync
She's everything on this earth to me
Stella is the most important person in my life
Lyrics © Editora e Importadora Musical Fermata do Brasil Ltda., Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Ned Washington, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SapphicTwist
Tempo is everything on this song. Slow enough to savor the melody, but swinging to set up soloists as they come in...
@adriancutner2489
Hey, listen! Milt Jackson could play "Ring around the Rosy" and it would sound absolutely great! He is definitely one of the greatest Jazz musicians.