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Dedicated to Connie
Modern Jazz Quartet
Dedicated to Connie
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #2

This two-disc set was released in 1995 following the death of drummer Connie Kay, and it's a superb commemoration of the Modern Jazz Quartet at their creative peak, a 1960 concert in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from the same tour...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Modern Jazz Quartet
Title: Dedicated to Connie
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Atlantic / Wea
Original Release Date: 5/30/1995
Release Date: 5/30/1995
Album Type: Live
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Cool Jazz, Bebop
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPCs: 075678276323, 075678276347

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
This two-disc set was released in 1995 following the death of drummer Connie Kay, and it's a superb commemoration of the Modern Jazz Quartet at their creative peak, a 1960 concert in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from the same tour that produced the equally memorable European Concert. By 1960, the group had gelled superbly, and much of their essential, original repertoire was in place, including John Lewis's composition "Odds Against Tomorrow," the moody and profound theme from a film score, and the light, baroque-influenced pieces "Colombine" and "Pulcinella." What stands out is the acute consciousness of sound, in Kay's sparkling drumming and Percy Heath's warmly resonant bass, as well as Lewis's piano and Milt Jackson's vibraphone. There's a superb economy of means practiced by the entire band, with scarcely a superfluous note in the two hours of music heard here. The treatments of standards are as memorable as the originals. --Stuart Broomer

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CD Reviews

MJQ in top form
George Fabian | Mountainside, USA | 12/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the very brief notes that accompany this album John Lewis asserts that after going over many of the MJQ's tapes that were recorded all over the world he settled for the one made in Slovenia in 1960 and that in his opinion the MJQ never played better anywhere. This is not mere hype; it is practically a statement of fact. They are in peak form on this outing with crisp, living presence sound. Intellectual jazz at its finest but don't get the idea that the album is stodgy; these gentlemen can really swing and prove it. Highly recommended to lovers of class jazz and MJQ aficionados"
The MJQ at its best!
Buddy Bolden | 09/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording was picked by John Lewis as a dedication to their late drummer, Connie Kay, who passed away in December 1994. It remained unissued for 35 years having been recorded in Slovenia in 1960. Although the MJQ have given us considerable music for over 40 years, this recording stands out as their very best. Buy it, you won't regret it."
The MJQ at Their Best
Buddy Bolden | USA | 07/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This excellent 2-CD set provides an invaluable record of what the Modern Jazz Quartet sounded like at the height of their powers and under circumstances that must have been close to ideal: performing live in concert before an appreciative but discriminating audience. Fortunately, they were also blessed, on this occasion, with very good acoustics and a talented recording engineer. The resulting document is monaural, but it has terrific clarity, warmth, and presence.



All in all, this is probably the best representation of what the Modern Jazz Quartet was all about that is currently available. ("European Concert," which was recorded during the same tour, is also extremely good, though not quite as comprehensive; unfortunately, it is currently out of print.)"