"The previously unreleased Modern Jazz Quartet performance from the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival was first issued in this 1998 CD. The MJQ (vibraphonist Milt Jackson, pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Connie Kay) is heard in typically fine form performing a few standards (including "Mean To Me" and "Bags' Groove"), and a couple of obscurities (Ray Brown's "Pyramid" and Lewis' "Winter Tale") before an appreciative audience. The MJQ always had a timeless sound; their 1963 program does not differ stylistically much from 1958 or 1968, but neither does it sound dated. Easily recommended to fans of the classic group." (Allmusic).
Ooit ontstaan uit de ritmesectie van Dizzy Gillespie's band van net na de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Wisten traditie en innovatie altijd goed te koppelen. Deze opnamen (twee bomvolle, afwisselende CD's) stammen uit 1974 (de band kwam in 1982 weer bijeen).
"Considered one of, if not THE classic album from the Modern Jazz Quartet. MJQ presented jazz in the context of a formally structured environment, much like a chamber group in the classical context. Within the band, the groove of Milt "Bags" Jackson's vibes met the solid swing of Connie Kay's drums, the funky strut of Percy Heath's bass, and the elegant classicism of John Lewis's piano. The MJQ were able, in a context that pushed at jazz's boundaries from the outside, to create a music that swung without edges or fragmented harmonic structures. Instead - as this album perhaps more than their studio recordings exemplifies - they used concepts of time, space, meter, rhythm, and changes to weave together a seamless whole, where melody grounded the improvisation but never really restricted it. The kind of graceful counterpoint that exists between Lewis and Jackson here is instinctual at this time, 1960. The show included the finest moments of their early recording career in a live setting." (Thom Jurek, Allmusic)
Een van hun mooiste platen, uit 1962. Geopend wordt met een adembenemend arrangement van Ornette Coleman's titelstuk. Het album kan beschouwd worden als een soort bestudering en uitbouwing van Coleman's freejazz-ideeengoed.
Bebop-classic in 2001-Rudy Van Gelder-remaster-ed. Opnamen uit 1948 met het Thelonious Monk Quartet gecombineerd met een sessie uit 1952 met z'n eigen Modern Jazz Quartet plus Lou Donaldson (as). Milt is met inventief vibrafoonspel de ster.
Concertregistratie opgenomen in 1992 tijdens het JazzGipfel Festival te Stuttgart.\n"From their roots as the rhythm section in Dizzy Gillespie's big band, the MJQ helped bring respectability to jazz by interacting with classical ensembles and playing concerts at prestigious venues, but always leaving plenty of space for bluesy and swinging improvising. The 40th Anniversary Concert is no exception, featuring the group accompanied by a chamber string orchestra. The distinguished Modern Jazz Quartet traces its origins to the irrepressibly flamboyant Dizzy Gillespie and his brazzy, shouting bebop big band. Filmed live in Germany, pianist and composer John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, vibraphonist extraordinaire Milt Jackson and drummer Micky Roker (subbing for Connie Kay) perform in this unforgettable performance that defines the dignity of jazz. Now on DVD, MJQ is still swinging in this 40th Anniversary Concert celebration showcasing the signature sounds that have assured their lasting legacy: from the echoes of the classical European tradition to the inspiration of classical jazz." (eJazzLines)\n
Ook onder andere titels uitgebrachte opnamen (o.a. deels als 'Modern Jazz Quartet, Vol.1') uit 1953 van de groep van Dizzy Gillespie die op eigen benen verder ging: John Lewis (p), Milt Jackson (vb), Percy Heath (b) en Kenny Clarke (d).
Allmusic over "The Modern Jazz Sextet" (1956): "Producer Norman Granz always loved jam sessions; it did not take too much insight to realize that putting trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and altoist Sonny Stitt together would result in some explosive music. Bebop at its best." Over "Nu Sun In Venice" (1957): "Six John Lewis compositions that were used in the French film 'No Sun In Venice'. The music is quite complex and disciplined. These thought-provoking performances reward repeated listenings." Over "Grand Encounter" (1956): "This classic session is the ultimate in cool jazz. Bill Perkins' mellow tenor saxophone tone matches quite well with the quiet but inwardly passionate playing of John Lewis (p), Jim Hall (g), Percy Heath (b), and Chico Hamilton (d)." "Concert Of Conteporary Music" is een gelegenheidsconcert 'supervised by John Lewis', met o.a. Stan Getz en J.J. Johnson die zijn composities spelen; "At The Opera House" (1957) is de MJQ-helft van een split-LP met het Oscar Peterson Trio.
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