🎷 AotW: Jazz Modern Jazz Quartet - THE COMPLETE LAST CONCERT

[Captain Bacardi]

The Modern Jazz Quartet
THE COMPLETE LAST CONCERT
Atlantic Records

Released 1975

Originally released as a 2-LP set with 14 tracks

Peaked at #34 on the Jazz Albums Chart (1975)

Produced by Ilhan Mimaroglu
Executive Producer: Neshui Ertegun

Songs:

1. Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (Oscar Hammerstein II/Sigmund Romberg) - 6:25
2. The Cylinder (Milt Jackson) - 5:28
3. Summertime (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin/DuBose Heyward) - 7:49
4. Really True Blues (Milt Jackson) - 5:27*
5. What's New? (Johnny Burke/Bob Haggart) - 7:12
6. Blues In A Minor (John Lewis) - 7:46
7. Confirmation (Charlie Parker) - 4:53
8. 'Round Midnight (Bernie Hanighen/Thelonious Monk/Cootie Williams) - 7:34
9. A Night In Tunisia (Dizzy Gillespie/Frank Paparelli) - 5:21
10. Tears From The Children (Johann Sebastian Bach) - 5:00*
11. Blues In H (B) (Milt Jackson) - 5:28*
12. England's Carol (Traditional/John Lewis) - 5:42*
13. The Golden Striker (John Lewis) - 5:26
14. One Never Knows (John Lewis) - 7:23
15. Trav'lin' (John Lewis) - 5:38
16. Skating In Central Park (John Lewis) - 6:32
17. The Legendary Profile (Milt Jackson) - 4:30*
18. Concierto de Aranjuez (Joaquin Rodrigo) - 10:50*
19. The Jasmine Tree (John Lewis) - 4:05*
20. In Memoriam (John Lewis) - 16:47*
21. Django (John Lewis) - 6:09
22. Bag's Groove (Milt Jackson) - 6:40

* - CD bonus tracks
​

Musicians:
John Lewis - Piano
Milt Jackson - Vibraharp
Percy Heath - Bass
Connie Kay - Drums

Recorded on November 25, 1974 at Avery Fisher (Philharmonic) Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City, in a concert presented by Harold Leventhal.

Location recording by The Power Plant
Recording Engineer: Dave Hewitt
Mixed down for Quadradisc and stereo by Gene Paul, Atlantic Recording Studios

Photography: David Gahr
Background Photo: Terry Clough
Design: Abie Sussman
Art Director: Bob Defrin
Liner Notes: Nat Hentoff

Available at Amazon.com (with song samples): http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Last-Concert-US-Release/dp/B00123IALK/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1403482958&sr=1-1&keywords=modern jazz quartet last concert




Capt. Bacardi

 

[Captain Bacardi]

An interesting story about the beginning of the MJQ. John Lewis, Milt Jackson, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Kenny Clarke started out with the Dizzy Gillespie big band in the mid-40's. Those four were given solo features in order to give the brass section a much needed break in Dizzy's band. In 1951 they got together as the Milt Jackson Quartet. In 1952 Percy Heath replaced Brown on bass and they called themselves the Modern Jazz Quartet. Connie Kay replaced Clarke in 1955 and they stayed together until this particular concert (Jackson was tired of touring and left the group, hence this concert). They did regroup on a part time basis in 1981.



Capt. Bacardi

 

[Captain Bacardi]

This is about as perfect as an album can be. Solid performances by everyone in the MJQ. Milt Jackson is simply stunning on vibes while John Lewis's piano work is thoughtful and playful at the same time. I had the 2 LP set originally, so when I picked up the CD with the additional tracks it was like hearing this for the first time. "Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise" has become a favorite tune of mine, thanks to this performance. Of the newer tunes I really enjoy "Blues In H (B)" and "The Jasmine Tree" (great interplay between Jackson and Lewis). A perfect late night jazz album!



Capt. Bacardi