Modern Jazz Quartet was one of the most popular combos in jazz history. The quartet, often called the MJQ, was also one of the most durable, performing with only a seven-year interruption during its lifespan from the early 1950’s until it disbanded in 1997. The Modern Jazz Quartet became known for its intricate ensemble playing and for its blend of jazz and European classical influences. The group won international recognition for its recordings as well as live appearances in concert halls and at jazz festivals throughout the world.
For most of its history, the Modern Jazz Quartet consisted of pianist John Lewis, the group’s music director; vibraphone player Milt Jackson; bassist Percy Heath; and drummer Connie Kay. Jackson was the chief soloist, playing in a swinging, lyrical style. Lewis provided delicate, understated piano solos and accompaniment.
The original members of the Modern Jazz Quartet began playing together in 1946 while its members were playing in the big band of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie in 1946. The first version of the MJQ, formed in 1951, consisted of Lewis, Jackson, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Kenny Clarke. The group, which initially recorded as the Milt Jackson Quartet, took the name of the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952. Heath replaced Brown in 1952, and Kay replaced Clarke in 1955.
The MJQ had a repertoire of about 3,000 pieces, several of them composed by Lewis. The best known of Lewis’s works for the MJQ include “Vendome” (1952); “Django” (1954); “Concorde,” “La Ronde,” and “Fontessa” (all 1955); “England’s Carol” and “Bluesology” (both 1956); “Three Windows” and “The Golden Striker” (both 1957); an extended work called The Comedy (1960-1962); and “In Memoriam” (1963).
See also Lewis, John Aaron .
