Modern Jazz Quartet

Modern Jazz Quartet

ASIN: B000001CQB

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The shift in sensibility from bop to cool is nowhere more apparent than in the evolution of the Modern Jazz Quartet. Although it had its beginnings in the rhythm section of Dizzy Gillespie's supercharged big band, the quartet evolved into one of jazz's most subdued and reflective ensembles. This 1954 recording is an early chapter in the history of the celebrated group, featuring the lightly swinging, tuneful flavor that first defined the quartet's refined approach to modern jazz. The focus was still on vibraphonist Milt Jackson's combination of elegance and bluesiness. Pianist John Lewis's use of classical composition techniques was still in the future, and bop pioneer Kenny Clarke played drums in a more extroverted fashion than would his successor, Connie Kay. Lewis's characteristically spare piano is a perfect foil for Jackson's warmer, more romantic approach. Together they create perfect bop blues on "Bluesology" and the medium-tempo "Love Me, Pretty Baby," and shimmering lyricism on "Yesterdays" and Sigmund Romberg's "Softly As in a Morning Sunrise," then an unusual tune for a jazz group. --Stuart Broomer

Tracks:

A Night Away
The Sound of Water
Fear and Trembling
Don't Wait
Towards the Light
Long Before
En La Tierra Que No Olvida
Santa Cruz Slacker
Secret Beach
Silent Movie
Marta's Theme (from "Passagio per il Paradiso")

Amazon.com

New Age-leaning guitarist Pat Metheny and melancholic pianist Brad Mehldau have such distinctive, even rarified, sensibilities (each an acquired taste for some listeners), that their teaming may have looked like a one-time commercial ploy in the beginning. But having found rewarding common ground and a receptive audience through their shared love of pop, Brazilian music and Americana, they likely will work together again. Recorded at the same time as their first album, a duo effort, Quartet takes a satisfying step forward in featuring the Mehldau trio's first-rate bass and drum team, Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard, on most of the tracks. Ranging from rhapsodic reflections to full-tilt fusion fare to loping, Wes Montgomery-inspired tunes--and let's not overlook that Asian-tinged song featuring Metheny on 42-string guitar--the music is sometimes a bit soft at the core. But when the stars are aligned, as on the effortlessly flowing, co-written opener, "A Night Away," and Metheny's charming "En La Tierra Que No Olvida," their partnership glows. It will be interesting to hear where they go from here. --Lloyd Sachs

Album Description

Quartet expands upon the "dream pairing" - begun by guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau on their 2006 Nonesuch collaboration, Metheny/Mehldau. This time they incorporate the members of Mehldau's trio, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, into a breathtakingly eclectic set, which ranges from the airy, pastoral "Don't Wait" to straight-up rocking in the slowly building "Towards the Light." Last year, London's Evening Standard described Metheny and Mehldau as "graceful, lyrical improvisers...It's a duo performance that deserves to tour." Now the pair is indeed hitting the road, along with Mehldau's two band-mates, in March for a month of shows throughout North America in support of Quartet. The 11 tracks that comprise Quartet were cut during the week-length December 2005 session at Manhattan's Right Track that yielded Metheny /Mehldau, a recording date that, over time, will surely be considered a landmark in contemporary jazz. On Quartet, each artist contributes original solo compositions as well as their first co-written piece, "A Night Away." The group also reworks Mehldau's "Fear and Trembling," which originally appeared on House On Hill, Mehldau's final outing with his previous trio lineup. It also interprets Metheny's "Marta's Theme," from his score to the 1998 Italian film, A Passage to Paradise. Quartet is perhaps even more adventurous and just as rewarding as their first release; the exhilarating back and forth between Metheny and Mehldau continues with their eagerly awaited live dates.

Album Description

Quartet expands upon the extraordinary musical dialogue - or, as Amazon.com puts it, the "dream pairing" - begun by guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau on their 2006 collaboration, Metheny/Mehldau. This time they incorporate the members of Mehldau's trio, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, into a breathtakingly eclectic set, which ranges from the airy, pastoral "So Much Music Everywhere" to straight-up rocking in the slowly building "Towards The Light.'

Customer Reviews:

Splendid.......2007-07-05

This is really a revelation of sorts, beautifully produced new-age jazz by Pat Metheny. I had liked some of his earlier efforts and lost patience after a while but he has managed to renew his approach quite a bit. The music is sonically perfect and the whole disc is exceptional not just one or two tracks, Beautiful. I may have to buy the first one also.

music to my ears.......2007-06-06

a musical delicacy of cold cut jazz. well balanced between slow and mellow songs and more upbeat numbers that simply jazzles your mind.
one down side, some of the numbers are to short, leave you wanting for more, well the whole cd creates this entire empty space that craves more of that jazzy jazz; some of the songs has the beautiful, slow evolution from downbeat tempo but every melodious moving toward some really funky stuff (not as in funk but funky as in phat)but ending all too soon.

Beautiful, Engaging, but not Explosive.......2007-05-30

Mehldau and Metheney have collaborated such that their work on this cd is continuous with their previous but separate efforts while still being a creative and enjoyable work. Most of the tracks have, as their foundation, Mehldau's incredible sense of balance between the complex and the simple. Mehldau's sense of when and how to fill--and not fill--in the spaces continues to be an incredible strength of his approach. Metheney's contribution is to ride this gentle wave with his usual mix of engaging accessibility. Metheny's use of a synthesizer effect allows him to explore two of the tunes more freely which provides the most satisfying tracks on the album (5 & 9). What the album lacks in explosiveness (check out Mehldau's version of "Solar" on the album Art of the Trio Vol IV) it makes up in subtle inventiveness.

Une "entente cordiale" !.......2007-05-26

"Recorded in the same all-originals sessions as last October's Metheny / Mehldau collaborative debut from guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Brad Mehldau, "Quartet" picks up where the first disc left off, albeit on a slightly quieter note. While Metheny / Mehldau focused on the duo chemistry of the co-leaders (only two of 10 tracks featured Mehldau's trio teammates, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard), the new set tips the scales in favor of the foursome (seven of 11). Again, simpatico chemistry is on exhibit as Metheny and Mehldau converse with intuitive sensitivity on such passionate dialogues as "Long Before," "So Much Music in the Air" and "Sound of Water," the last of which an impressionistic beauty graced by Metheny's 42-string guitar. Highlights include the easy-going, oblique "Santa Cruz Slacker" and "Towards the Light," charged with Metheny's synth guitar dynamics and a surging rhythmic chug in the midsection".( Billboard - Dan Ouellette).
This is the eagerly awaited sequel to an album that exposed an unexpectedly deep empathy between two very different jazz stars last year. Pianist Mehldau, so hyperactive and complex on his own, emerged as a remarkably supportive and creative accompanist, freeing guitarist Metheny's guitar and guitar-synth to take flight in their lightest, airiest way. This audience-friendly process now involves Mehldau's trio, with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, in seven of the 11 original songs.Metheny's change of guitars from electric to acoustic could perhaps jar the senses slightly, but here, rooted by the rhythm section these changes pay off and excite rather than confuse the listener. The pace is varied, there are constant flourishes and changes of tempo and tone to keep your attention and the standard of playing from all present is just incredible. These guys understand pacing and texture, they let a track build it's own internal drama and follow the tune all the way.
Tranquil ballads and serpentine dance-themes ride latin and swing beats in an absorbing package that goes on world tour this spring : this is just a fantastic album of incredible musicianship which never loses sight of the primacy of the melody. Neither intrument is allowed to dominate the other - neither tries to dominate - but instead both weave together in an almost symbiotic way.

Metheny-Mehldau.......2007-05-26

Pat Metheny is one of my favorite artists of all time. I really admire his song writing and his whole approach to music. Brad Mehldau is also another favorite of mine. Both men are modern players who are quite unlike anyone before them, but are still very down to earth. Their playing in straight ahead situations is exceptional, and when they push the envelope, the outcome can be very rewarding, or not so memorable.

I first heard about their first collaboration when it came out. Considering these two artists are my favorite current musicians on their instrument, I was excited. I was a little skeptical with the abscence of bass and drums, so I didn't buy it. When I saw that a new collaboration called Quartet came out, obviously including Mehldau's trio with Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard, (also two of my favorites) I when out and bought this.

I expected that modern folky loose and unrestricted sound that Metheny gets on his trio albums, and other collaboration efforts, and the way Mehldau sounds on his trio recordings. With the first track, I was awarded this. The first track is what I expected. A great melody with a nice rhythm and great improvisations. I didn't stay too interested as the cd progressed.

My first problem is why would they call this album Metheny Mehldau Quartet when bass and drums are missing on almost half of the selections?!

Some of Metheny's albums that I've come to love, I wasn't to hip to when I first heard them; example Metheny & Scofield's I Can See Your House From Here, and Pat's Trio 99-00. I guess this is going to be the case with this album. I gave this cd about three or four listens so far, and I'm about to go turn it on again after I write this.

The last few times I heard it, I just felt the music was just falling back into some dreary uninspired music. With the exception of the first track, I wasn't hearing real beautiful melodies, and the quartet wasn't well represented. I'm not going to make any final statements about this cd yet. And if the Metheny Mehldau Quartet was in town, I'd definately go see them.

I hope they make another one and do some of Metheny's old compositions like Are You Going With Me, Unity Village, James, Go Get It, Travels, Have You Heard, etc...

Average customer rating:

John Abercrombie just gets better
UNFORTUNATELY, NOT THE BEST QUARTET
John Abercrombie's Return To ECM

The Third Quartet
John Abercrombie
Manufacturer: ECM Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Time and Time Again
Metheny Mehldau Quartet
Pilgrimage
The Words And The Days
Prezens

ASIN: B000ND91TU
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Banshee
Number 9
Vingt Six
Wishing Bell
Bred
Tres
Round Trip
Epilogue
Elvin
Fine

Amazon.com

Guitarist John Abercrombie has been one of those ECM heritage artists over the years, helping the label define its cerebral and sometimes austere vision of creative jazz. Abercrombie's playing is clean, melodic, and subtle--he reaches beyond jazz to incorporate bits of classical, folk, blues, and rock. Here he's complemented by an amazing group--drummer Joey Baron, bassist Marc Johnson, and violinist Mark Feldman--for the third time. Though busy in a number of different contexts, the group members are wholly in sync with Abercrombie's vision, leaving plenty of space for the music to breath, prodding when it lingers, and generally adding elegant accompaniment throughout. The group is almost tango-like in its ability to build songs passionately through tasteful restraint. Of the ten tunes here, takes on Ornette Coleman's "Round Trip" and Bill Evans's "Epilogue" are telling signposts of influence, but this is a band that presses on, creating beautiful music that lives in the here and now. --Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

The Third Quartet is master guitarist John Abercrombie's 25th leader recording for ECM. This third album from his current quartet with Mark Feldman, Marc Johnson and Joey Baron is the strongest yet from this band, in its seventh year of playing together. The repertoire on the new recording includes eight new tunes from Abercrombie, plus two classics of new jazz - Bill Evans's "Epilogue," and Ornette Coleman's "Round Trip."

John Abercrombie is one of the most influential guitarists in jazz history. His oeuvre on ECM not only includes his own discs, but also recordings with Charles Lloyd, Jan Garbarek, Kenny Wheeler, Jack DeJohnette and others. His band mates have also played some of the biggest names in jazz and music: Pharoah Sanders, John Zorn, Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas, Bill Evans and Johnny Cash. Each have an impressive ECM roster or recordings, including recent leader albums from Feldman and Johnson.

Customer Reviews:

John Abercrombie just gets better.......2007-05-15

I have listened to this man's guitar playing since he played with Billy
Cobham. I am not a guitarist. I can only say he has an incredible sense
of touch & dynamics. I recently had the pleasure of seeing him play with
this quartet in Birdland, NYC.They were fantastic. I thought 'Gateway II'
was one of my favorites of his. This is way up there (all this groups
recordings come highly recomended).from 'Cosmic Chicken (somebody please
release that)to Arcade,the organ trios, directions,etc..listen to this
man & the people he surrounds himself with. You wont EVER be disappointed.

UNFORTUNATELY, NOT THE BEST QUARTET.......2007-05-04

The music on this release is meandering and uninspired...too much violin, not enough guitar. I really don't know what the appeal of a violin on a jazz album, especially with 2 other stringed instruments, has for some but for me it's grating. If you want to hear some INVOLVING quartet music, try the 1st quartet from the 70s (QUARTET, ARCADE or M) which unfortunately ECM, maddeningly, refuses to re-issue on CD (strangely, a gap in Abercrombie's catalog that may remain that way). Some of them can be found on Japanese imports but at premium prices. WHY? Who knows but John's in a rut here ... for some exciting recent Abercrombie, try STRUCTURES, a trio release from '06. Otherwise, pass on this.

John Abercrombie's Return To ECM.......2007-04-20

John Abercrombie has recorded prolifically for the ECM label since the early '70s. His output has been very thoroughly documented, while at ECM, he also performed as a session player on countless albums. Most notably with Kenny Wheeler, Ralph Towner, Colin Wolcott, Jack DeJohnette, Charles Lloyd, among others. His own compositions and guitar playing are very melodic and lyrical. His improvisational playing is some of the best out there. He can pretty much do anything on the guitar. He's a virtuoso in the truest sense. While he's technical master on the guitar, he is also a very textural player. He often shifts moods to match what the piece of music is doing. Abercrombie, quite simply, is one of the greatest jazz guitarist of the last 30 years. His popularity, however, is somewhat baffling to me and at the same time it's really a shame that more people don't know about him. I can honestly say he's influenced my own guitar playing. Abercrombie is a VERY underrated jazz guitarist. "The Third Quartet" is Abercrombie's first album for ECM in 3 years.

"The Third Quartet" picks up where 2004's "Class Trip" left off. However, the music here is more refined and this is simply because this particular quartet has been playing together for 9 years. This music is very hard to describe. I wouldn't classify it as free jazz, because there is structure to the music, but I wouldn't necessarily call this music bebop either. What I would call it is chamber jazz. It's a deicate balance of classical and jazz. The jazz aspect of this music is obviously within the improvisations, but the music follows more in the lines of classical. This type of jazz is something Abercrombie has been working on for many, many years. The instrumentation on this album as with the groups other two albums is quite unique: guitar, violin, bass, and drums. Mark Feldman plays violin and is one of the better violinist I've heard that can improvise in a jazz context. His ideas are always interesting and melodic and they add color to a piece. He definitely is one of the best jazz violinist I've heard. Someone like Regina Carter needs to look at what Feldman is doing and take notes. He's the new jazz violinist that people need to be aware of. Marc Johnson, on bass, has been around for a very long time. He has played with so many musicians, but I think his best early work is with pianist Bill Evans. Marc has also released some very fine albums under the ECM and Polydor labels, most notably the album "Right Brain Patrol" remains one of my personal favorites of Johnson's. Marc always provides great support to his bandmantes. Joey Baron, on drums, is one of the wildest and most original drummers of the last 15 years. He's been an active member in Bill Frisell's band and has been apart of John Zorn's group Naked City and has also played on countless John Zorn albums. Baron's work with Masada, John Zorn's group that blends traditional Jewish music with jazz, has been a very rewarding listening experience. Baron's style is one that is in constant motion. He doesn't stay in one spot to long and yet he provides this group with what it needs: a driving force to propel it.

"Third Quartet" is a good place to start exploring John Abercrombie's later work. It has all of the naunces and textures of an Abcercrombie album but with more of a chamber jazz leaning. Very highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Great stuff
An MJQ Classic - Finally on CD!
100x-stars: A Great Disc.

Modern Jazz Quartet: 1957
Modern Jazz Quartet
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Fontessa
Blues on Bach
The Complete Last Concert
No Sun in Venice
The Best of the Modern Jazz Quartet

ASIN: B000063NDD
Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

Medley: They Say It's Wonderful/How Deep Is The Ocean/I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You/My Old Flame/Body And Soul
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
La Ronde: Drums
Night In Tunisia
Yesterdays
Bags' Groove
Baden-Baden

Album Description

Originally issued on LP in 1957 on Atlantic Records. John Lewis himself said this was one of their best efforts. This album is available for the first time on CD. Remastered. Wounded Bird Records. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Great stuff.......2005-10-18

These tracks were among the first of the MJQ to come my way when I was in my teens, and I still remember the overwhelming impression of a rare beauty they made on me. That beauty has not diminished with time. This is, I feel confident, the kind of music people will still enjoy centuries hence - among the best music of the twentieth century. The tone was always restrained, but never lifeless: the balance was very exact and satisfying. All of the musicians could swing hard when they chose to, but did so without wildness though with plenty of verve and intensity. The music was intelligent and inventive, but driven by plenty of emotion and sensitivity. Pianist Lewis was a most gifted composer and arranger as well as musician. Milt Jackson was among the greatest instrumentalists, on any instrument, of his generation. The other two were also among the best. The coherence achieved was extraordinary - never surpassed, and rarely if ever equalled. Even my parents enjoyed this music, and not because it is not jazz. It for the most part IS jazz, of a totally distinctive kind: there is no replacement, and you will not regret owning this and playing it frequently. - Joost Daalder

An MJQ Classic - Finally on CD!.......2005-02-04

I agree with the previous reviewer. This is arguably the MJQ's best recording. It is definitely their finest studio effort (and I've heard just about all of them.). This disc served as my introduction to the MJQ as a college student in the early 80's. I was immediately hooked and I wore out a cassette copy that I made and a used LP copy that I found years later. Kudos to Wounded Bird for releasing this on CD before I was too old to hear it! As for the music, it's a great place for anyone to start, whether you are new to jazz, new to the MJQ or just want to add great music to your collection. It includes what for my money is one of the 2 best versions that the MJQ ever recorded of "Bag's Groove", a swinging "Night in Tunisia" and an opening ballad medley that could teach some radio programmers a real lesson about "Quiet Storm". John Lewis also said that this was one of the MJQ's best and who would know better than him (except maybe Milt, Percy and Connie!). If you like your Jazz easy on the ears but not numbing to your brain, pick this up before it disappears again.

100x-stars: A Great Disc........2003-07-28

MJQ pianist John Lewis expressed great satisfaction with this disc: it's a well played, well recorded, classic set of MJQ's brand of chamber jazz. Really, this disc vies for top position: it just might be the MJQ's best CD. Good price $$; great sound. Can't go wrong.

Average customer rating:

Extraordinarily beautiful and sublime
The next Miles Davis?
Heady yet cool....oh so cool
Pretty Much my Favorite CD of the moment
lantano

Lontano
Tomasz Stanko Quartet
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Suspended Night
The Words And The Days
Critical Mass
The Carnegie Hall Concert
Metheny / Mehldau

ASIN: B000GKH246
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

Lontano, Part 1
Cyrhla
Song For Ania
Kattorna
Lontano, Part 2
Sweet Thing
Trista
Lontano, Part 3
Tale

Amazon.com

Lontano is the third album by 64-year-old Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stanko to team him with a trio of exceptionally talented young countrymen who started playing with him while still in their teens: pianist Marcin Wasilewski, bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz and drummer Michal Miskiewicz. Yes, the trio, which has recorded on its own, pushes him with its fresh energy and ideas. But the support team is no less inspired by Stanko's spare, intensely understated approach to melody and harmony, which draws generously from Miles Davis, and his elastic sense of time. More dependent on spatial constructs and free form improvising than its richly atmospheric previous effort, Suspended Night (which some critics called Stanko's Kind of Blue), Lontano doesn't always deliver on the risks it takes. The music sometimes loses momentum. But the trumpeter's pensive lyrical authority and Wasilewski's controlled abandon make for a good combination, especially on a pair of Stanko tunes first recorded in 1965 and 1975, respectively. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

Extraordinarily beautiful and sublime.......2007-04-18

I own approximately 1,000 jazz albums, and this one places right at the top of favorite recordings. I bought this CD about 4 months ago, and cannot stop playing it. I have listened to it at least 100 times, and the more I listen to it, the more I discover. I NEVER get tired of it. The interplay between these musicians is breathtaking and beautiful, and the magic gets better with repeated listenings. For anyone who thinks Europeans can't play jazz, check out this album. The recent trio album by the pianist on this album, Marcin Wasilewski, is nearly as good. The two previous albums by Stanko's quartet (Soul of Things and Suspended Nght) are very good, but this one tops them all. I rarely write reviews for Amazon, but this album is so beautiful and emotional that I felt compelled to write this.

The next Miles Davis?.......2007-03-19

Miles's Tone. Few horn blowers ever find it. Tomasz does.His tone was the first thing I noticed.His song writing and band were secondary.They however grew on me and I'm ready to explore more of his work.
Like most Eastern Europeans Tomasz writes and plays with an underlying melancholy.Latenight/earlymorning/grayafternoon music. If you're late to the Tomasz Stanko party ,like me, don't delay... hear his horn.Hear his music.It'll be the best thing you did for yourself today.

Heady yet cool....oh so cool.......2007-01-28

'Lontano' is the third album by the Tomasz Stanko Quartet for ECM. It is a masterpiece which continues the group's ascent into the rarefied, heady, truly sublime section of the jazz world reserved for only the finest ensembles.

Drenched in subtlety and nuance, listening to the group is akin to eavesdropping on a hushed dialogue among kindred spirits, where the natural ebb and flow of the conversation relies as much on that which is stated as is implied.

Comparisons with Miles Davis are inevitable and appropriate. As the reigning king of 'less is more,' Stanko, who is 64 and hails from Poland, has crafted the 'Kind of Blue' for the current generation.

Recorded immediately upon the completion of a tour of the Far East, the foursome's seemingly telepathic interactions are honed to razor-sharpness.

Musically, more than half of the disc is dedicated to the three parts of the title track which clock in at 13, 15 and 12 minutes, respectively.

Serving as a microcosm of the group's full range, the quartet swings on its own terms as segments of ethereal, lyrical beauty are followed by looser, more animated passages marked by a simmering intensity and culminating with a collective pause before the group returns to ruminations which are once again decidedly introspective.

Produced with sparkling clarity, yet imbued with an intimacy that brings the players squarely into your listening space, this is not only quintessential ECM but required listening for jazz fans of all stripes.

Pretty Much my Favorite CD of the moment.......2007-01-16

I was introduced to the Tomasz Stanko Quartet by the 29 Oct 2006 Weekend Edition on NPR. Polish Jazz has an interesting history, and the music is world class. The horn work is soulful and awe inspiring, and reminds me a little of work Vangelis did for the Bladerunner soundtrack.

lantano.......2007-01-12

never recieved this item via ground mail! whats up with this e-mail.
please respond asap. john zelber.

Average customer rating:

One of the most unique sounds in all of music...
Rudy remaster is remarkable

Django
The Modern Jazz Quartet
Manufacturer: Prestige
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Lush Life
Relaxin'
Fontessa
Pyramid
Modern Jazz Quartet: 1957

ASIN: B000EMGIJ6
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

Django
One Bass Hit
La Ronde Suite
The Queen's Fancy
Delaunay's Dilemma
Autumn In New York
But Not For Me
Milano

Amazon.com

Pianist John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Kenny Clarke were fresh from serving as the rhythm section in the Dizzy Gillespie orchestra when they went into the studio in 1953 to record--only their second session together. "Autumn in New York," which would go on to become one of the group's staple performances in concert, summarized their cameo-like pictorial strengths. The December 23, 1954 session produced two of the group's enduring masterpieces--"Django," Lewis's tribute to the then-recently deceased French gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, and "One Bass Hit," with its delightfully understated exchange between Lewis and Jackson. The "La Ronda Suite" fills out a great collection. --John Swenson

Customer Reviews:

One of the most unique sounds in all of music..........2007-02-14

I agree with the reviewer below me, the sound of this remastered CD is excellent and perfect for this kind of choral jazz music. I have to say that it took me a while to really get into these guys but now I am completely hooked! To me, there has never been a group that sounds quite like these cats. I have never heard the great Percy Heath sound as good as he does on this recording. It was an absolutely, incredible performance! I'm blown away everytime I hear this album and decide to turn up the bass a bit. Man, it's a trip to see how fast and tight he is. However, the whole group led by legendary Milt Jackson really is as close to perfection as your going to get in this recording. I would have purchased this CD just to hear the song "Django"! Also, their version of "Autumn in New York" gives me such a warm, serene, feeling inside my body every time I listen to it. Yes, everytime.

Overall, this is just one of those recordings that as a jazz fan you have to own. It's a classic on anyone's list and RVG does another fantastic job as the "messenger" releasing it to sound as perfect and clear as if you were in the studio listening to it live. These guys were some kind of foursome and although I am huge fan of the horns, I still put these four at the top of my list of all-time favorite quartets. I highly recommend that if you are new to jazz and do not own this album then please purchase it immediately. You won't be disappointed!

Rudy remaster is remarkable.......2006-03-24

this ancient jazz classic never sounded better.Rudy Van Gelder did an excellent job remastering this one with the 24- bit.He proves that it does matter who takes up the task of remastering this wonderful jazz classic. just keep them coming Rudy.

Average customer rating:

Suspended grace
Any Serious Jazz Fan Should Own This Album!
a pinnacle
Stankowicz on piano
simply marvelous

Suspended Night
Tomasz Stanko Quartet
Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Lontano
The Triangle
Soul Of Things
Trio
Changing Places

ASIN: B0000V765G
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

Song For Sarah
Suspended Variation I
Suspended Variation II
Suspended Variation III
Suspended Variation IV
Suspended Variation V
Suspended Variation VI
Suspended Variation VII
Suspended Variation VIII
Suspended Variation IX
Suspended Variation X

Customer Reviews:

Suspended grace.......2007-05-12

Never too fast, without a steady rithm, this music is perfect for a lovely night under a full moon
Very passionate

Any Serious Jazz Fan Should Own This Album!.......2006-12-08

Tomasz Stanko has recorded a masterpiece with this recording. I'm not going to talk too much about the music, because it speaks for itself. All I can say is listen to the sound clips on Amazon and decide if this is something that you're going to like. Having said that, I love this kind of moody jazz. It's very accessible, but it's also dark and haunting, which are words that have descibed Tomasz Stanko's work on ECM for years now. This particular trio he's playing with are all astonishing. The pianist, Marcin Wasilewski, is truly a young master. He is fantastic in a supporting role and he's also a great soloist - very subtle and if you don't listen closely you'll miss those beautiful cascades of notes. I found myself listening to Marcin more than anybody else. As another reviewer has said, I think Wasilewski made this album. If you love piano like I do, then this is a good album. Having said about Wasilewski, I have tremendous respect for Stanko. For him to step aside and let these other musicians take the music to another level, says alot about Stanko and his character.

This is truly a classic jazz album in my opinion. Anyone who enjoys listening to jazz and is serious about it should own this album.

a pinnacle.......2006-03-01

superbly played and recorded, this is as intimate a sound as i've ever heard on ECM. this mix is perfect, and through headphones, you can almost imagine yourself sitting admist the musicians, their sounds enveloping you. playing "free" ballads is in immense challenge, and this is one of the finer examples i've come across. some have compared this to "kind of blue," but while stanko's trumpet has a melancholic timbre similar to the prince of darkness, he is his own man, a veteran, and should be respected a such. his young group is brilliant, especially the impressionistic wasielewski, who seems to calculate each note as if it could be his last. the music is incredibly free, yet everything is in it's place. the mood is nocturnal, but this is no background music. it's meant to be absorbed. it's a stunning follow up to the wonderful "soul of things," and is required listening for anyone who considers themselves to be a fan of improvised music. say, maybe in that sense, it is a bit like kind of blue.

Stankowicz on piano.......2005-10-01

This moody and slow cd of the trumpetplayer Tomasz Stanko is pretty good. Just not good enough for 5 stars, but that doesn't mean you should leave it be.
The album has the same atmosphere as (other) ECM piano-albums: melodic and free at the same time, with a lot of slow music on it. The music is subtle and very easy to listen to, but the occasional free-jazz elements restrain it from getting boring.
The bass and drum are often used in a percussion-like way, and not in a rhythmic way, just like other ECM-material.
Marcin Wasilewski pianoplaying is so present (and good) that I think it's almost more a piano-album than a trumpet-album. And that really is a compliment for Stanko, who leaves room enough for his band to play. Stanko's playing is moody and most of the time very accessible.
There's just one thing. When you own more work of the ECM label you can get bored with the same approach over and over again. It that way this album has nothing new to offer, but it's still pretty good.

simply marvelous.......2005-09-08

Tomasz Stanko totally suprised me with this and the previous "The Soul of Things" recordings. I am fascinated by his music of recent years. And I have not discovered him recently. I have known the sound of his trumpet since his recordings with Krzysztof Komeda in the 60s. He is a veteran on the Polish jazz scene. Yet, he is blowing a new wind into his horn. He has never been that good, so sensual, so meanigful. Is it the chemistry between him and the trio of youngsters that support him? I wondered quite often how was it possible for such young musicians to play like that. Don't they need to live longer to be able to say so much? As a side note, if you injoy this CD, the "Trio" recording is equally essential. This is a late night music. One of the best in ECM's catalogue.

Average customer rating:

F.R.S
A Sentimental Favorite, but Somewhat Overrated
Down Home Swingin'. (no dancing please!)
A Great Summation of the MJQ's career
A great concert disc, and a jazz classic

The Complete Last Concert
The Modern Jazz Quartet
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Cool Jazz | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Modern Jazz Quartet: 1957
Blues on Bach
Fontessa
Dedicated to Connie
Third Stream Music

ASIN: B000002IO8
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Softly As In A Mornig Sunrise
The Cylinder
Summertime
Really True Blues
What's New
Blues In The Mirror
Confirmation
Round Midnight
Night In Tunisla
Tears From The Children
Blues In H
England's Carol

Tracks:

The Golden Striker
One Never Knows
Trav'lin
Skating In Central Park
The Legendary Profile
Concierto De Aranjuez
The Jasmine Tree
In Memoriam
Django
Bags Groove

Customer Reviews:

F.R.S.......2006-03-18

This is one of the greatest albums that I have ever listened to.
Each disc all the songs are great, they bring back many old memories. I'm just sorry three quarters of the band are no longer with us.

A Sentimental Favorite, but Somewhat Overrated.......2004-07-30

This is a fine album, with good to very good live versions of some classic MJQ tunes. However, the quartet's "last concert" was not really their best. At times, the music on these discs is a bit too staid and careful, and one gets the feeling that the decision to disband (temporarily, as it turned out) was motivated at least in part by a slight loss of enthusiasm for a project in which these musicians had been engaged, by 1974, for over two decades. This impression is reinforced by the inclusion, in this CD reissue, of some of the weaker material that was wisely omitted from the original 2-LP set.

The excitement the MJQ at its best generated in live performance is much better captured by the excellent "Dedicated to Connie" (ASIN B000002J4T) and "European Concert" (ASIN B000058TGY, but currently out of print). Both were recorded in Europe in 1960, when the group was at the height of its ability but still had something to prove, and both feature taut, committed performances of an intensity that "The Last Concert" doesn't quite match.

Down Home Swingin'. (no dancing please!).......2004-04-13

I'm not going to write a lot about this album; other customers have already sumed it up quite well. This album has almost no elements of slow boring classical, as one might recall albums as No Sun I Venice or Concorde, it swings just as hard as for instance, Miles Davis would. A new comer to MJQ , but not jazz will love this album!!!!!!!!

A Great Summation of the MJQ's career.......2003-08-09

If you are looking for an answer to the question what the Modern Jazz Quartet is all about, you have come to the right place. In 1974, the MJQ had been in existence for almost 20 years, and vibraharpist Milt Jackson (now sadly deceased) became tired of the somewhat rigid structure of the quartet. Thus, the MJQ decided to disband and to give one more concert at New York's Avery Fisher Hall. Here, sensing that this might really be the last time they had a chance to play these songs, the quartet gave every tune a special treatment.
The classical aspect of their music, so often likened to chamber-music, is well displayed in several tunes from their "Blues on Bach" album, but if you listen to Milt Jackson when he swirls and weaves his melody around the steady pulse by both drums and bass, you realize that this interpretation is beyond both classical music and Jazz. However, their reading of "Concierto de Aranjuez" is far closer to the original than the one done by Miles Davis on "Sketches of Spain".
Standards such as "Summertime" and "'Round Midnight", as well as tunes that recall the quartet's origin in Dizzy Gillespie's band, such as "Confirmation" and "A Night in Tunisia", are also present. But mostly the tunes are by pianist John Lewis and, with stronger leanings to the blues, by Milt Jackson. Lewis' "Skatin' in Central Park" and "One Never Knows", for example, are both lovely ballads, whereas Jackson's "Really True Blues" and "The Cylinder" are more deeply rooted in the realm of Jazz and Blues.
This only shows how much the music and the programme of the band was always built around the contrasting musical personalities of John Lewis, the quartet's musical director, and Milt Jackson, their main soloist, who embodies perfectly grace, style, time and swing at the same time. He was certainly one of the great masters of Jazz, and his at times forceful and energetic, but also often cool and crisp playing is to me the main attraction of the quartet. This edition is the first complete rendition of the now legendary concert (needless to say that they gave many more afterwards), and for that fact alone, the CD deserves six stars. If your new to the MJQ, you cannot find a better and more comprehensive collection of their playing. If you are a fan, what took you so long to get this marvellous highlight of their career? Get it!

A great concert disc, and a jazz classic.......2001-08-17

I wish I'd been there on the night of November 25, 1974 as the MJQ took the stage at Avery Fisher Hall. It was a concert that was truly a climactic end to the Modern Jazz Quartet's 22 years. (At the time it was not known that they would reassemble ten years later, albeit without as much musical interest.) John Lewis, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath and Connie Kay played their hearts out, creating some of the finest renditions of their repertoire ever. Fortunately, every note was captured in crystal-clear sound and is on this 2-CD set.

As for highlights...there are so many the whole set could just be called one continuous highlight of the quartet's legacy. But there are some standouts: the opening, disarmingly-complex "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise," the bluesy "Summertime," the funky "True Blues," the smokey "'Round Midnight" (featuring one of Milt's best solos on record for which he gets a deserved spirited ovation), the very sweet and sentimental "Skating In Central Park," the virtuostic "Blues in A minor," the delicate "One Never Knows," the energetic "Jasmine Tree," and two encores that are the group's signature pieces, "Django" and (of course!) "Bags' Groove" in what I promise you is the wildest rendition of this piece you will ever hear. All the selections have intricacy and interplay (each man knew when the other was going to breathe) beyond what can be described here. Suffice it to say these four men get textures, colors and tones that are quite unlike any other jazz group, and any other group of musicians in any genre. It's hard to appreciate today how innovative their approach was in the 1950s and 60s because so much of what they've done has become so assimilated by pop, jazz, TV and movie music, and classical. (Of course, they did a lot of assimilating of their own; it was a symbiotic relationship.)

Despite the overall high quality of music here, there are a few lowlights, and they underscore the reasons the MJQ became unglued and, frankly, *needed* to disband. They were being pushed more and more into Lewis' Third-Stream mode towards the end, and a lot of the compositions were forced and contrived. (Of course this conflict existed from the beginning, but Jackson and co. managed to actually feed off the tension. By the late 60s, though, Jackson was sounding in a rut.) I love the Third-Stream movement of music (and if you don't know what this is, go to any good music dictionary and look up "Gunther Schuller"), and wish more exploration had been done in this area (the economics made it prohibitive). But many of Lewis' "serious" compositions are, honestly, pretentious hybirds that Jackson and the others never could quite get down on. The audience applauds politely, but there's not much real enthusiasm for the sprawling and unoriginal "In Memoriam," the dry, dutiful reading of Rodrigo's famous "Concierto de Aranjuez" or the incredibly pretentious "Tears For The Children." (With a title like this you know it's going to be pretentious, and it delivers.) These tunes were kept off the original LP of this concert, and frankly, it was no loss. It's worth having here only for completeness' sake.

Still, these are but small nicks on a great masterpiece of an historic evening. If there were only a handful of jazz albums I could own, this would be one of them. (Pyramid and The Comedy would be two other MJQ albums on that list.) Of course we all know the group got back together again, but they never again made music like this.

Average customer rating:

MJQ's Blues on Bach

To my mind wholly successful

Fabulous Album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

INTERESTING.................................

Unique and enjoyable MJQ

Blues on Bach
The Modern Jazz Quartet
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
General | Jazz | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Modern Jazz Quartet: 1957

Fontessa

The Complete Last Concert

No Sun in Venice

Third Stream Music

ASIN: B000002I6B
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Regret?
Blues In B Flat
Rise Up In The Morning
Blues In A Minor
Precious Joy
Blues In C Minor
Don't Stop This Train
Blues In H (B)
Tears From The Children

Amazon.com essential recording

In the MJQ's early years, critics often found something incompatible between John Lewis's European classical leanings, particularly the baroque, and Milt Jackson's unfettered gifts improvising over bop-blues changes. This 1973 date is structured by that dichotomy, alternating between Lewis's compositions (based on some of Bach's best-known melodies) and a series of original blues, the first three by Lewis, the last by Jackson. Lewis emphasizes the contrast by playing harpsichord on the Bach tunes. His treatment of Bach can drift toward the merely pretty, as in his handling of "Sleepers Awake," but there's a genuine beauty in "Don't Stop This Train" and "Tears from the Children," based on Bach keyboard works. Jackson's fluent solos on the blues are a continuing delight, while Lewis demonstrates once again that he, too, is a musician imbued with the same roots, inserting a telling variation on "St. James Infirmary" into "Blues in A Minor."--Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

MJQ's Blues on Bach.......2006-08-25

I bought the CD to replace my vinyl version, which I had not played in years, and I am so pleased to hear again the MJQ's takes on Bach classics alternating with their own compositions. This is a CD that I can listen to over cocktails and dinner as stimulating background music ... or focus on without any distractions to appreciate the artistry of the musicians and arrangements.

If you like the MJQ, this is one of their best albums; Pyramid and Concorde being my other favorites.

To my mind wholly successful.......2005-10-18

I'm a bit surprised to find myself liking this more than most reviewers, for I enjoy playing the CD with regularity. It is true that the "Bach" numbers are hardly "jazz" in the conventional sense, while the others are. But does this really matter? It seems to me that this brilliant and sensitive foursome does equally well in each of the two modes adopted, and - even more importantly - THAT THEY DO NOT JAR. To me, the tracks do offer some sort of unity, by bringing out for one thing the universality of great music, but also for another by implictly stressing how Bach was, in a sense, a precursor to jazz, and how the MJQ, even WITHIN its jazz formulation, plays music Bach would have found totally intelligible, admirable, and congenial. Enjoying this CD requires some lateral thinking! - Joost Daalder

Fabulous Album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-06-22

I have to up-date my review! I just played this album, and heard that it really is a great album. Classical, Jazz, Blues, Vibes, MJQ, what more can you want? This album is fabulous. It holds its own, as good as classics such as Concorde, Fontessa, Django, and The Sherrif. You might not like this album. It depends on what you want, what you like, and what your looking for. If you're looking for like swinging jazz with a lot of blues influence, and melow classical melodies with a little jazz feel and tingy percussion instruments, then you'll love this album, just like I do. You have to admit though, this was a landmark recording in MJQ's history.

INTERESTING........................................2004-04-13

The Modern Jazz Quartet has always incorporated European Classical music into their lightly swining jazz. A factor that would turn some hard core jazz fans away. For me, I like their light approach to modern jazz. I feel remorsed after hearing an album like Concorde or Fontessa. On this album The MJQ rotate, classical and jazz songs, one after another. I was turned away at first, but its really a good album. Anyone who can swing Bach is a genious, and these four men are. Vibist Milt Jackson brings his blues playing to the classical stuff, John Lewis brings his classical into the jazz stuff, bassist Percy Heath, just brings us a bed to let Milt and John do that, and drummer Connie Kay, just swings delicately, but acts as a front man soloist with his creative use of percussion equitment and his drumset. I'm not going to point out any material, they're all about the same in value. A new commmer may be discouraged listening to this, but once they've heard some other ground breaking MJQ album, they'll come to love this album. I wouldn't hurry up to the store and buy this album, by the MJQ, but if you see it, pick it up.

Unique and enjoyable MJQ.......2003-06-23

Actually my rating would be about 3.5 stars. No, this is not the best MJQ material available. And no, if you're new to MJQ, don't start here -- unless you're coming to them with a classical background.

I like Bach and I like MJQ--so I had to like this one. However, I wish Lewis had done a whole CD with the Bach material and another one with the blues material, expanding each concept to a full CD of material. Each type is worth listening to and in each format Lewis and MJQ had something interesting to say. The alternating track format is, to my ears, jarring -- I'm just getting "into" Lewis doing Bach on harpsicord and we're back to the jazz/blues format. But even that doesn't stop me from enjoying the music--and it is very enjoyable, indeed.

Listening to the Bach tracks with vibes and harpsicord working the theme is good stuff! Lewis' treatment of the Bach themes is very interesting--you'll never miss the basic theme but he manages nice touches to rework and embellish. The blues/jazz tracks are stronger and begin to show what MJQ is all about.

If you're new to MJQ go get a couple others first (Fontessa would be a better starting point). Then, if you're like me and enjoy Bach and MJQ then get this one, its a natural. If you're extending a collection of MJQ then this one is worthwhile mainly because of its uniqueness.

Average customer rating:

one of MJQ's best, of course

Thoughtful music

FINE SWINGIN LYRICAL ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish to email the guy in Linkoping Sweden please

An essential and beautiful recording

Fontessa
The Modern Jazz Quartet
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cool Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
General | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Modern Jazz Quartet: 1957

No Sun in Venice

Blues on Bach

Third Stream Music

Pyramid

ASIN: B000002I4D
Release Date: 1990-01-31

Tracks:

Versailles (Porte De Versailles)
Angel Eyes
Fantessa
Over The Rainbow
Bluesology
Willow Weep For Me
Woodyn You

Amazon.com essential recording

This 1956 record marked the beginning of the Modern Jazz Quartet's long and fruitful relationship with Atlantic Records and was one of their most inspired visits to a studio. While there had been excellent bands in the past that created a chamber-jazz genre, such as Red Norvo's trio, John Lewis's vision of a fusion of jazz and classical elements was distinctly original. It's apparent here in the controlled counterpoint of "Versailles," the extended first recording on "Fontessa," with Lewis's spare and precise piano perfectly complementing the looser swing of Milt Jackson's glistening vibraphone sound. The group mingles beautifully around Percy Heath's supple, melodic bass lines and Connie Kay's discrete and gently propulsive beat. Jackson's "Bluesology" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Woody'n You" inspire boppish invention, while the limpidly beautiful standards "Willow Weep for Me" and "Angel Eyes" demonstrate Jackson's ability to shift mood in a single phrase. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

one of MJQ's best, of course.......2007-01-18

wonderful to FINALLY find it in cd; the first MJQ i ever heard, in vinyl, which i still own. but who has the space.

Thoughtful music.......2004-08-03

The MJQ doesn't get any better than this. Call it jazz, classical, third stream. It doesn't matter. John Lewis is a master composer and pianist. The blend of the instruments achieves a high level musicality that's almost mystical. Fontessa is a highlight, and Woody'n You swings relentlessly.

FINE SWINGIN LYRICAL ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-02-28

There is no reason why this album by the Modern Jazz Quartet should not get five stars. This particular album swings a litte bit more agressively than some albums before it, but still has the lyrical/classical influences of their past albums. It starts off with the swingin Versailles than goes in to the slow rather boring Angel Eyes, than comes the masterpiece. A four movement composition, Fontessa. It's great. Other ground breaking songs like Bluesology, Jackson's more early popular blues piece, and Dizzy Gillespie's Woody n' You. Over all this album is bright, fresh, melodic, soul clensing, soothing, brialliant, beatiful, clean jazz records of MJQ history. And record history of all time.

I wish to email the guy in Linkoping Sweden please.......2004-02-01

Hi I read your review about the poor Japanese stereo CD. I wish to buy this from you please. My email address is bas@mollenkramer.nl
Thanks for reading

An essential and beautiful recording.......2002-12-05

I would truly find it odd to contemplate life without this recording. This is one of those utterly satisfying artistic productions that make one feel that it has been always "there", as part of nature, of creation, whether divinely ordained or not. To those who feel that "classical' music must be "classical" - untainted by jazz - or those who feel that jazz must NOT be "classical", i.e. be "pure" jazz, I would say: listen with an open mind, don't pigeonhole artistic creations, be receptive, and you will enjoy - again and again. The music is quiet, but intense, wonderfully melodious yet profound. As a coherent ensemble, this was one of the best groups ever. The suite "Fontessa" - the piece de resistance of this recording - was a great composition by a great jazz composer, and is beautifully coherent, pointed, subtle and rich. But so are the other tracks. Purchasing this for ongoing musical satisfaction would be one of the very best "investments" one could make. Unhesitatingly recommended - there is just no negative that comes to mind, only great respect and gratitude to the musicians for their warm, vital and inspiring, uplifting contribution. - Joost Daalder

Average customer rating:

The debut of Haden's magnificent West Coast group
The debut of Haden's magnificent West Coast group

Quartet West
Charlie Haden Quartet West
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Haunted Heart
In Angel City
Always Say Goodbye
Now Is the Hour
Nocturne

ASIN: B000008B4Q
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Hermitage
Body And Soul
The Good Life
In The Moment
Bay City
My Foolish Heart
Passport
Taney County
The Blessing
Passion Flower

Customer Reviews:

The debut of Haden's magnificent West Coast group.......2001-05-11

Haden gives a brief history of the foundation of Quartet West in the sleevenotes of 1996's 'Now is the Hour': in 1979 he moved back from New York to LA, where he met his wife-to-be, Ruth Cameron in 1984. Apparently it was her idea to recruit a band for Haden in LA. And this is the band's first recording, from 1987.

It's an altogether more modest affair than Haden's previous ensemble pieces on 'Ballad of the Fallen' and 'Liberation Music Orchestra', but it is intelligent and subtle. 'Taney County' features a beautiful solo by Haden, dedicated to his father and mother, with whom he used to sing on the 'Haden Family Radio Show' from 1939 to 1953. (You'll need to buy 'The Art of The Song' to see an archive photo of the family.) Haden makes his bass sing with a mixture of rich tonal colours and timing changes.

The stand-out tracks for me are new versions of Pat Metheny's 'Hermitage' (which got me racing back to the original, a track I had barely noticed on 'New Chautauqua'), of the Washington/Young song 'My Foolish Heart', and a new Haden tune 'Bay City'.

This album, by the way, features on drums Billy Higgins, who died this month (May 2001). His replacement about ten years ago by Larance Marable is the only personnel change the Quartet has undergone.

Thankfully there is no singing on this CD. This is one of the best Quartet West albums, and I am amazed that no-one has yet reviewed it for ....

The debut of Haden's magnificent West Coast group.......2001-05-11

This album, by the way, features on drums Billy Higgins, who died this month (May 2001). His replacement about ten years ago by Larance Marable is the only personnel change the Quartet has undergone.

Thankfully there is no singing on this CD. This is one of the best Quartet West albums, and I am amazed that no-one has yet reviewed it for Amazon.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music