MODERN JAZZ QUARTET LAST CONCERT OG'74 ATLANTIC GF 2 LP

MODERN JAZZ QUARTET, THE THE LAST CONCERT 2LPCategory / Style / Moods: Jazz Third Stream, Cool, Bop # Sophisticated # Calm/Peaceful # Reserved # Amiable/ Good-Natured # Melancholy # Reflective # Restrained # Intimate # Elegant # Sparse # Reverent / 12.77 FP1974 US ATLANTIC 2LPTITLE: THE LAST CONCERTARTIST: MODERN JAZZ QUARTETCONDITIONVINYL: VG+ OR BETTER SOLCOVER: VGClick here for info on grading and abbreviationsGATEFOLD SLEEVE ORIGINAL PRESS DOUBLE LPClick the pix for a better view TRACKS: 1.Softly, As in a Morning SunriseHammerstein, Romberg 6:292.The CylinderJackson 5:303.SummertimeGershwin, Gershwin, Heyward 7:494.Trav'lin'Lewis 5:395.Blues in A MinorLewis 7:476.One Never KnowsLewis 7:247.Bags' GrooveJackson 6:438.ConfirmationParker 4:539.'Round MidnightHanighen, Monk, Williams 7:3510.A Night in TunisiaGillespie, Paparelli 5:2011.The Golden StrikerLewis 5:2712.Skating in Central ParkLewis 6:3413.DjangoLewis 6:1214.What's New?Burke, Haggart 7:12Review by Scott Yanow The Modern Jazz Quartet broke up after the concert documented on this double CD. It would be nearly seven years before the group got back together again but it certainly went out on top. Mostly revisiting their greatest hits, the MJQ is heard on this two-fer playing inspired versions of such songs as "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise," "Bags' Groove," "Skating in Central Park," "Confirmation," "The Golden Striker," and, of course, "Django." This set is a real gem (the music is essential for all serious jazz collections), featuring vibraphonist Milt Jackson, pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Connie Kay at their very best. Biography by Scott Yanow Pianist John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Kenny Clarke first came together as the rhythm section of the 1946 Dizzy Gillespie & His Orchestra and they had occasional features that gave the overworked brass players a well-deserved rest. They next came together in 1951, recording as the Milt Jackson Quartet. In 1952, with Percy Heath taking Brown's place, the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) became a permanent group. Other than Connie Kay succeeding Clarke in 1955, the band's personnel was set. In the early days Jackson and Lewis both were equally responsible for the group's musical direction but the pianist eventually took over as musical director. The MJQ has long displayed John Lewis' musical vision, making jazz seem respectable by occasionally interacting with classical ensembles and playing concerts at prestigious venues, but always leaving plenty of space for bluesy and swinging improvising. Their repertoire, in addition to including veteran bop and swing pieces, introduced such originals as Lewis' "Django" and Jackson's "Bags' Groove." The group recorded for Prestige (1952-55), Atlantic (1956-74), Verve (1957), United Artists (1959) and Apple (1967-69) and, in addition to the many quartet outings, they welcomed such guests as Jimmy Giuffre, Sonny Rollins, the Beaux Arts String Quartet, a symphony orchestra conducted by Gunther Schuller, singer Diahann Carroll (on one piece), Laurindo Almeida, a big band and the Swingle Singers. Although the musicians all had opportunities to pursue individual projects, in 1974 Milt Jackson, tired of the constant touring and the limitations set on his improvising and he quit the group, causing the MJQ to have a final tour and break up. In 1981 Jackson relented and the Modern Jazz Quartet (which has recorded further albums for Pablo and Atlantic) became active again although on a more part-time basis. Connie Kay's health began to fade in the early '90s (Mickey Roker often filled in for him) and after his death in 1995, Albert "Tootie" Heath became his replacement.This exquisite piece of retro music history is a vinyl sound recording (not a CD). Please visit the A Sound Deal store for similar items and information on grading and shipping. Add me to your favorites for red hot sales bulletins and sneak previews of upcoming products. Combine Items to Save $$$! Click here to check the store for more!©A Sound Deal