The Modern Jazz Quartet - European Concert (1960) [1988]

A double-length live set from the legendary Modern Jazz Quartet – recorded in Scandinavia in 1960, almost as a summation of the group's growing genius in the 50s! The tunes are a mix of John Lewis and Milt Jackson originals, plus other songs all given the wonderful MJQ twist – distilled into a sublime blend of piano, vibes, bass, and drums – all delivered with a sense of class, but never too much polish. The album is live, but still has that sophisticated composure that made the group so unique at the time – and the whole thing's a perfect complement to their famous studio albums on Atlantic!


Tracks:

CD 1:
01. Django (5:45)
02. Bluesology (5:03)
03. I Should Care (5:43)
04. La Ronde (3:09)
05. I Remember Clifford (5:54)
06. Festival Sketch (4:42)
07. Vendome (3:01)
08. Odds Against Tomorrow (6:57)

CD 2:
01. Pyramid (9:02)
02. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) (5:49)
03. Skating In Central Park (6:07)
04. The Cylinder (6:47)
05. 'Round Midnight (3:52)
06. Bags' Groove (5:15)
07. I'll Remember April (4:57)

Personnel:

Milt Jackson - vibes
John Lewis - piano
Percy Heath - bass
Connie Kay - drums