Also released as "Soul Pioneers" (reissue title, with different artwork in the 1960s/70s), "Milt Jackson Quartet" is one of most important album of this fantastic vibraphone player and composer discovered from Dizzy Gillespie in a small New York club and introduced from him to the major musical figures of 52nd Street. "Milt Jackson Quartet" was recorded in May 1955 at Rudy Van Gelder's Hackensack studio: the sound is warm and intimate, especially for vibraphone and have as personnel also Horace Silver, Percy Heath and Connie Kay. This is an interesting lineup because it includes Jackson, Heath, Kay who are parts of the Modern Jazz Quartet, but here with Horace Silver (at that time closely associated with the nascent hard bop / bop movement). A true blend of lyricism and swing. Milt Jackson's naturally swinging vibraphone style draws from both gospel and bebop and he made the vibraphone take a decisive step forward, towards the absolute solo realisation of the instrument. With a more muted sound, a more flexible playing style, and extensive use of vibrato, Milt Jackson has successfully distinguished himself from the influence of Lionel Hampton making it become one of the most brilliant vibraphonists in the history of jazz.
