Modern Jazz Quartet Django CD

Modern Jazz Quartet: Milt Jackson (vibraphone); John Lewis (piano); Percy Heath (bass); Kenny Clarke (drums).
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on June 25, 1953, December 23, 1954 and January 9, 1955. Originally released on Prestige (7057). Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler.
Modern Jazz Quartet: Milt Jackson (vibraphone); John Lewis (piano); Percy Heath (bass); Kenny Clarke (drums).
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey on June 25, 1953, December 23, 1954 and January 9, 1955. Originally released on Prestige (7057). Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler.
Digitally remastered by JVC using XRCD (Extended Resolution Compact Disc) technology.
This is a hybrid Super Audio CD playable on both regular and Super Audio CD players.
Hailing from a trio of Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) sessions, Django (1955) contains some of the earliest sides that Milt Jackson (vibraphone), John Lewis (piano), Percy Heath (bass) and Kenny Clarke (drums) recorded for Prestige Records. Initially, the combo was part of Dizzy Gillespie's influential backing band and after a change in drummers (to Connie Kay), they continued as one of the more sophisticated aggregates of the post-bop era. The album commences with Lewis' sublime and serene title track "Django," dedicated to the memory of guitarist extraordinaire Django Reinhardt. This musical paean aptly recaptures the essence of Reinhardt's enigmatic gypsy-like nature, especially evident within Jackson's leads, which emerge from the thoughtful opening dirge with a refined, warm tone throughout. Reinhardt's playfulness is recalled in Lewis' well-placed interjections between and beneath Jackson's lines. "One Bass Hit" is an homage to Gillespie with Heath taking charge of the intricate melody, showing off his often criminally underutilized skills. From the same December 1954 gathering comes the moody Lewis-penned ballad "Milano." There is a notable Mediterranean feel resounding in the opulence of MJQ's unassuming interaction. The centerpiece is the lengthy four-movement showcase "La Ronde Suite" circa January of 1955. The MJQ maneuver with unquestionable grace, alternately supporting and soloing, each taking the reigns as the others construct their contributions around the respective soloist. The remaining four selections date back to June of 1953 and are highlighted by "The Queen's Fancy," a simple and refined fugue that carries a distinct air of nobility. "Delaunay's Dilemma" is a definite contrast as it allows the players to cut loose with some frisky and fun exchanges that perfectly demonstrate their ability to glide through the sinuous syncopation. Both the understated splendor of "Autumn in New York" and the equally sublime cover of "But Not for Me" provide some familiar backdrops for the MJQ to collaborate and perhaps more directly display their essential improvisational abilities. In terms of seminal Modern Jazz Quartet entries, it is hard to exceed the variety of styles and performances gathered on Django. ~ Lindsay Planer
Refined, supremely accomplished, and possessed of a unique sound (courtesy of Milt Jackson's shimmering vibes), the Modern Jazz Quartet set a new standard for the jazz group as chamber ensemble. DJANGO puts these qualities on display, with variety and technical prowess to spare. The title track, a tribute to Gypsy guitar-king Django Reinhardt, written by pianist John Lewis, sets the stage with its bop excursions and change-ups from cool swing to minor-key moodiness (which also appropriately mirrors Reinhardt's music and life). The group's take on "Two Bass Hit" lets bassist Percy Heath take center stage, with support and accents from the others.
"La Ronde Suite" is a near-10-minute four-part suit of shifting colors, highlighting each member on their respective instruments (drummer Kenny Clarke takes a rare solo spot here). Two more Lewis tunes, "The Queen's Fancy" (a jazzy march) and the ballad "Milano," bracket two notableDown Beat (p.69) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Percy Heath had one of the best left hands in the business, and on the title track of DJANGO his notes ring for an extraordinarily long time..."