Originally issued on LP in 1957 on Atlantic Records. John Lewis himself said this was one of their best efforts. This album is available for the first time on CD. Remastered. Wounded Bird Records. 2002. Album Description
What makes this recording great is the vibe created by these four great musicians. "Chamber jazz", as the latter reviewer calls it, is simply another label that can be given to what is truly provocative and gorgeous music created by four beautiful people. When I look at the front cover and hear the sounds these four beautiful Arican-Americans created in the late 50's I can only sit in awe.
I love Milt Jackson. His vibraphone created some of the greatest sounds in Jazz. John Lewis seems to play with only his right hand, but does with that one hand more than many could do before him. Percy Heath and Connie Kay keep the subtle but powerful rhythm flowing. The best Jazz cd I have found in a long time.
October 24, 2007After having seen "Annie Get Your Gun" the other night at the local playhouse in San Mateo, I was surprised to discover that "They Say It's Wonderful" was from that 1946 show. I arrived home and reported immediately to the turntable to savor the 5-tune medley that I have listened to since I purchased this album (vinyl) in high school four decades ago). Lewis, Jackson, Kay and Heath never failed to please. The jazz is subtle, lyrical, and just plain beautiful. It's great to have the sounds preserved on CD and MP3! "They say that love is wonderful"...and so is this music.
September 29, 2007These tracks were among the first of the MJQ to come my way when I was in my teens, and I still remember the overwhelming impression of a rare beauty they made on me. That beauty has not diminished with time. This is, I feel confident, the kind of music people will still enjoy centuries hence - among the best music of the twentieth century. The tone was always restrained, but never lifeless: the balance was very exact and satisfying. All of the musicians could swing hard when they chose to, but did so without wildness though with plenty of verve and intensity. The music was intelligent and inventive, but driven by plenty of emotion and sensitivity. Pianist Lewis was a most gifted composer and arranger as well as musician. Milt Jackson was among the greatest instrumentalists, on any instrument, of his generation. The other two were also among the best. The coherence achieved was extraordinary - never surpassed, and rarely if ever equalled. Even my parents enjoyed this music, and not because it is not jazz. It for the most part IS jazz, of a totally distinctive kind: there is no replacement, and you will not regret owning this and playing it frequently. - Joost Daalder
October 17, 2005 |  | An MJQ Classic - Finally on CD! |  |
I agree with the previous reviewer. This is arguably the MJQ's best recording. It is definitely their finest studio effort (and I've heard just about all of them.). This disc served as my introduction to the MJQ as a college student in the early 80's. I was immediately hooked and I wore out a cassette copy that I made and a used LP copy that I found years later. Kudos to Wounded Bird for releasing this on CD before I was too old to hear it! As for the music, it's a great place for anyone to start, whether you are new to jazz, new to the MJQ or just want to add great music to your collection. It includes what for my money is one of the 2 best versions that the MJQ ever recorded of "Bag's Groove", a swinging "Night in Tunisia" and an opening ballad medley that could teach some radio programmers a real lesson about "Quiet Storm". John Lewis also said that this was one of the MJQ's best and who would know better than him (except maybe Milt, Percy and Connie!). If you like your Jazz easy on the ears but not numbing to your brain, pick this up before it disappears again.
February 3, 2005| | | 100x-stars: A Great Disc. | |
MJQ pianist John Lewis expressed great satisfaction with this disc: it's a well played, well recorded, classic set of MJQ's brand of chamber jazz. Really, this disc vies for top position: it just might be the MJQ's best CD. Good price $$; great sound. Can't go wrong.
July 27, 2003More reviews at Amazon.com ...
