Just the Way It Had to Be

Just the Way It Had to Be is a live album by American jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson featuring performances recorded at Shelly's Manne-Hole in 1969 for the Impulse! label.

Just the Way It Had to Be
Live album by Milt Jackson
Released	1970
Recorded	August 1–2, 1969
Genre	Jazz
Length	41:54
Label	Impulse!
Producer	Ed Michel
Milt Jackson chronology
That's the Way It Is (1969) Just the Way It Had to Be (1970) Memphis Jackson (1969)

Reception

The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 3 stars stating "the music is quite likable, melodic and swinging (particularly for 1969)".

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic

Track listing

All compositions by Milt Jackson except as indicated

1. "Listen, Here" (Eddie Harris) – 8:30
2. "S.K.J." – 5:36
3. "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)" (Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley) – 6:53
4. "If I Were a Bell" (Frank Loesser) – 6:01
5. "The Very Thought of You" (Ray Noble) – 8:02
6. "Bags' Groove" – 6:50

• Recorded at Shelly's Manne-Hole in Hollywood, California on August 1 & 2, 1969

Personnel

• Milt Jackson – vibes
• Teddy Edwards – tenor saxophone
• Monty Alexander – piano
• Ray Brown – bass
• Dick Berk – drums