Fontessa

Read About This Recording

The Modern Jazz Quartet personified class. During an era when the establishment thought of jazz musicians as being unreliable and erratic, The MJQ were always well dressed, on-time and open to the influence of classical music. They opened the door for jazz to be played in concert halls without losing their musical roots in the blues, soulful ballads and bebop.

The MJQ had its genesis when pianist John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Kenny Clarke were members of the Dizzy Gillespie rhythm section in 1946. In 1952, with Percy Heath in Brown's spot, The MJQ debuted and during the next 22 years, was one of the most popular bands in jazz. Connie Kay succeeded Clarke in 1955 but otherwise the personnel remained constant. Lewis was the musical director, expertly mixing together adaptations of classical themes, jazz standards, originals and blues. Jackson, one of the greatest vibraphonists of all time, was the key soloist while Heath and Kay offered swinging and very subtle support. The group lasted until 1974 when Milt Jackson decided that he wanted a fulltime solo career. However, due to the demand of the public and the fact that The MJQ's music was so timeless, Jackson eventually relented after a seven year retirement and The Modern Jazz Quartet resumed touring and recording in 1981, being a regular force on the jazz scene until its final breakup in 1995.

This CD paints a definitive picture of The MJQ. Fontessa, recorded in 1956, has a particularly well-balanced program. The 11-minute title cut and Lewis' Versailles are balanced by a few ballads and the swingers Bluesology and Woodyn You.

The Modern Jazz Quartet was a classic jazz institution and occupies a unique niche in music history.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Versailles (Porte De Versailles); Angel Eyes; Fontessa; Over the Rainbow; Bluesology; Willow Weep for Me; Woodyn You.

The Modern Jazz Quartet: Percy Heath, Bass; Milt Jackson, Vibraharp; Connie Kay, Drums; John Lewis, Piano.