Milt Jackson
Sunflower
Milt Jackson, Vibes
Freddie Hubbard, Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Herbie Hancock, Piano
Jay Berliner, Guitar
Ron Carter, Bass
Billy Cobham, Drums
Ralph MacDonald, Percussion
Arranged and Conducted
by Don Sebesky
Produced by 
Recorded at
Van Gelder Studios
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Rudy Van Gelder, Engineer
Recorded December 12, 13, 1972
Catalog Number:
ZK 65131
Format: CD
Label: CTI |
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Preceded by Lionel Hampton and followed by Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson
was one of the most significant pioneers of the vibraphone in jazz. While
far from being his most classic recording, Sunflower remains one of his
most electrifying. He cooks within the context of the early '70s CTI formula-young
high-caliber sidemen, electronic instrumentation, fresh and funky rhythms,
and lush arrangements. That this was a recipe for success is apparent on
Sunflower's luxuriously atmospheric opening track, "For Someone I Love,"
a stunning Jackson original. Don Sebesky's skillful scoring is in strong
evidence, as he delicately layers winds and strings to create a mood of
evocative complexity. Jackson plays lyrically amidst these sympathetic arrangements,
and Herbie Hancock's solo alternates between aggressiveness and soft sensitivity...
Fusion is given a good name with the supremely funky cover of the Stylistics'
classic, "People Make The World Go Round." Miles Davis veterans
Ron Carter on bass and Billy Cobham on drums form a solidly-locked rhythm
section that's tough to beat. The fiery brilliance of trumpeter Freddie
Hubbard shines on his enduring original, "Sunflower." The interplay
between Jackson, Hubbard, and Hancock is intense and passionate, making
the title track the real standout on the album. "Sunflower" ends
with a straight-ahead blues, giving everybody a chance to get in a few good
licks. All in all, Sunflower is a thoroughly enjoyable and varied album
by the late-great legend of the vibraphone. The remaster features nifty
paper packaging and vastly improved fidelity
– John Ballon
Review
After years on the road with the Modern Jazz Quartet and a series of sterling
solo and all-star jazz performances, vibist Milt Jackson decided it was
time to see some green. Watching kids half his age, possessing half his
talent, earn millions playing rock, he insisted he could earn more without
the restraints of the MJQ. He sought out Creed Taylor in 1972 and Sunflower
became his first (and best) of three CTI albums. The album is significant
in many ways, not the least of which is Pete Turner’s lovely ostriches-in-the-morning
cover photo and a peerless version of Freddie Hubbard’s classic ode,
“Little Sunflower.” Jackson is joined here by an outstanding
aggregate of younger all-star musicians including Hubbard on trumpet and
flugelhorn, Herbie Hancock, swapping chores on piano and Fender Rhodes,
Ron Carter (of course) on bass and Billy Cobham on drums. Don Sebesky provides
the subtle, and quite complimentary, string and horn arrangements. Acoustic
guitarist Jay Berliner is also heard to enchanting effect on Jackson’s
“For Someone I Love.” In addition to the alluring beauty of
Hubbard’s title track, Sunflower also includes one of the best instrumental
versions of the popular “People Make the World Go Round.” Hubbard
carries the tune (as he did on the 1972 Hollywood Bowl record issued by
CTI in 1977). Jackson scores one clever lick after another off the changes.
Hancock comps seductively on Rhodes but gives one of his baddest-ever all-piano
funk solos (his piano solo on “Sunflower” is a jazz beauty to
behold too). Carter, as you’d expect, churns the groove like it boils
in his blood.
–
Doug Payne
Turn Up That Noise!
Sunflower, released in 1973, features vibemaster and Modern Jazz Quartet
mainstay Jackson with a hot rhythm section of Miles Davis alumni: Ron Carter
on bass, Herbie Hancock on electric piano, and drummer extraordinaire Billy
Cobham. Strings mix with Jackson's vibes to impart a cool, relaxed tone
to the disc. There's plenty of fireworks, though, especially when Jackson
and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard trade blistering licks. And even on the slower
tunes, Cobham's percussion fury is barely contained, with a simmering energy
always threatening to burst out. Overall, though, this is a uniquely beautiful
album, and remains a favorite after all these years. Especially wonderful
is Freddie Hubbard's extended masterpiece, "Sunflower."
–
Stephen Grimstead
Magnificent!,
Beware, you WILL be captivated by this album It is a music for the soul.
Jay Berliner's guitar gently opens the door to your heart on the first song,
"For Someon I Love." Freddie Hubbard and Milt Jackson take it
from there. You are taken by the hand and gently led into the remaining
venue. Milt Jackson's vibes on "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your
Life" will make you weep. The entire album blossoms, like a sunflower.
– a music fan
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Milt Jackson
Ron and Herbie
Don Sebesky
Milt and Stanley
Ron Carter
Photos by Chuck Stewart |
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