Decades later, 'Statement' remains vibraphonist Milt Jackson's epic treat

Milt Jackson [Courtesy]

Jazz is broad and has variety. Jazz is a music form generally performed with an individual's own imaginations in a variety of configurations that suit their impulses. And with such components applied, some musical renderings instantly capture the listener's attention with great impact.

One such musician was the pioneer bebop vibraphone player Milt "Bags" Jackson, whose mastery of the idiom when it emerged in early 1940s was and still is legendary. He was a co-founder with pianist John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) in 1952, after working with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. In MJQ, which lasted 22 years, he was also in the fabulous company of drummer Connie Kay, bassist Paul Chambers and pianist Hank Jones.