Ballads & Blues

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Ballads & Blues came about from recordings made in early 1956 in New York and at the Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. The album was released on Atlantic. Jackson plays vibraphone in varying line-ups, for example with John Lewis on piano, Oscar Pettiford on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. On the last three tracks tenor saxophonist Lucky Thompson also plays.

The repertoire contains standards by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Irving Berlin, among others, supplemented by Jackson's own compositions. The reception was glowing. The Penguin Guide to Jazz spoke of near-perfect Jackson, with the others giving him space. Allmusic gave four and a half stars and Billboard expected that fans would appreciate the horn session.

Listening

Track list

1. 1So In Love3:13Apple Music ↗
2. 2These Foolish Things4:25Apple Music ↗
3. 3Solitude4:43Apple Music ↗
4. 4The Song Is Ended4:40Apple Music ↗
5. 5They Didn't Believe Me3:45Apple Music ↗
6. 6How High the Moon6:13Apple Music ↗
7. 7Gerry's Blues5:02Apple Music ↗
8. 8Bright Blues6:14Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

See also

• Milt Jackson