Jazz Articles about Modern Jazz Quartet

The Modern Jazz Quartet: From Residency To Legacy

by Kyle Simpler
July 1, 2021

There are plenty of fictional stories about utopian societies where life is good and everybody gets along. Of course, the word utopia literally means “no place," suggesting that an actual utopia is nothing more than an illusion, but that hasn't stopped people from trying. Although there are many utopian societies that didn't work, there are a few real world attempts that have come close. One such example could be The Music Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts. Even though it wasn't a ...

Chardonnay meets The Modern Jazz Quartet

by Kristen Lee Sergeant
May 29, 2021

Ease: Chardonnay meets The Modern Jazz Quartet

by Kristen Lee Sergeant
May 13, 2021

I'm thrilled to have you back for the second month of “Jazz & Juice“--thanks to all of you who made April's adventure all the more fun with your comments on the article, video, and podcast. I'm excited to share this month's music and wine with you without further ado! EaseI've found that the biggest misconception about any art or craft is that it must be difficult to grasp in order to be considered seriously. As students of a ...

The Modern Jazz Quartet and the Third Stream (1956 - 1961)

by Russell Perry
October 15, 2019

As the Modern Jazz Quartet, members of which were once Dizzy Gillespie's rhythm section in the 1940s, moved into the 1960s, they continued to swing in their own quiet way, even as their music director, pianist John Lewis, explored the third stream, a synthesis of jazz and classical music. Having been founded in 1952, the MJQ was active as a unit until 1974, then reunited periodically for another twenty years, until drummer Connie Kay's death in 1994. Playlist ...

Modern Jazz Quartet: The Complete Atlantic Studio Recordings 1956-64

by Eugene Holley, Jr.
August 12, 2011

The Modern Jazz Quartet The Complete Atlantic Studio Recordings of The Modern Jazz Quartet 1956-64 Mosaic Records 2011 They were diverse in talent and temperament. John Lewis, the quiet and determined westerner, who told sound stories with his linear and logical blues-based pianisms; Milt “Bags" Jackson, the baggy eyed, Motor City vibraharp virtuoso; Percy Heath, the Philly bassist with deep, in-the-pocket basslines; Kenny Clarke, the bomb-dropping blacksmith of the beat from Pittsburgh; and Connie ...

Modern Jazz Quartet: The Complete Atlantic Studio Recordings 1956-64

by John Kelman
August 3, 2011

The Modern Jazz Quartet The Complete Atlantic Studio Recordings of The Modern Jazz Quartet 1956-64 Mosaic Records 2011 Even now, nearly sixty years later, it seems improbable that a group which came together as the rhythm section for one of the hottest players in bebop's genesis era, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, could morph into a standalone group that was the epitome of grace, elegance and cool dignity. But that's exactly what happened when Gillespie recruited ...

Modern Jazz Quartet: 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival

by Graham L. Flanagan
March 4, 2010

For nearly half a century, the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) endured as one of the most well-renowned ensembles in jazz. The original MJQ came together in 1946 as the rhythm section in Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra: Milt Jackson on vibes and John Lewis on piano, as well as bassist Ray Brown and drummer Kenny Clarke. Brown and Clarke were replaced early on by Percy Heath and Connie Kay, respectively, but Lewis and Jackson would remain mainstays of the MJQ all the ...