by Scott Yanow
The Modern
Jazz Quartet broke up after the concert documented on this double CD. It would be nearly seven years before the group got back together again but it certainly went out on top. Mostly revisiting their greatest hits, the MJQ is heard on this two-fer playing inspired versions of such songs as "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," "Bags' Groove," "Skating in Central Park," "Confirmation," "The Golden Striker," and, of course, "Django." This set is a real gem (the music is essential for all serious
jazz collections), featuring vibraphonist Milt Jackson, pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Connie Kay at their very best.
Tracks:-------
CD1:01. "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" (Oscar Hammerstein II, Sigmund Romberg) - 6:25
02. "The Cylinder" (Milt Jackson) - 5:28
03. "Summertime" (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward) - 7:49
04. "Really True
Blues" (Jackson) - 5:27
05. "What's New?" (Johnny Burke, Bob Haggart) - 7:12
06. "
Blues in A Minor" - 7:46
07. "Confirmation" (Charlie Parker) - 4:53
08. "'Round Midnight" (Thelonious Monk) - 7:34
09. "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)" (Jackson) - 5:28
12. "England's Carol" - 5:42
CD2:01. "The Golden Striker" - 5:26
02. "One Never Knows" - 7:23
03. "Trav'lin'" - 5:38
04. "Skating in Central Park" - 6:32
05. "The Legendary Profile" (Jackson) - 4:30
06. "Concierto de Aranjuez" (Joaquín Rodrigo) - 10:50
07. "The Jasmine Tree" - 4:05
08. "In Memoriam" - 16:47
09. "Django" - 6:09
10. "Bags' Groove" (Jackson) - 6:40
Personnel:---------
Milt Jackson - vibraphone
John Lewis - piano
Percy Heath - bass
Connie Kay - drums