Modern Jazz Quartet - Pyramid Modern Jazz Quartet
Limited edition 180g blue coloured vinyl, contains new specially prepared liner notes by Penguin Guide to Jazz's writer Brian Morton and by Paris' prestigious Jazz Magazine. Includes 2 bonus tracks.
The Modern Jazz Quartet had become a jazz institution by the time Pyramid was recorded. Formed out of the rhythm section of the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band (1946 -48), founding of the members The MJQ , pianist Lohn Lewis and vibraphonist Milt Jackson , brought a sophisticated blend of jazz and classical music to audiences around the world. Active from 1952 through to 1997 (with a seven- year break in between), the MJQ's 38- year reign counts as being among the most enduring ensembles in jazz history.
Presented here is their classic album Pyramid , featuring three compositions by the quartet's pianist John Lewis (including his hit 'Django), alongside jazz standards by Ellington, Ray Brown ('Pyramid'), and Jim Hall; plus, a unique take on the Nancy Hamiton & Morgan Lewis' popular standard, 'How High The Moon'.
Includes the bonus tracks 'Vendome' (original 1952 version) and 'Django' (original 1954 version).
"Besides swinging, the MJQ offers intelligence also, something that the back-to-the-land advocates sometimes omit. A fine and worthy addition to your file of 5- star albums." - ***** Don DeMicheal, DownBeat
Track List
A1 - Vendome
A2 - Pyramid
A3 - It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
A4 - Vendome [Original 1952 Version]
B1 - Django (John Lewis)
B2 - How High The Moon
B3 - Romaine
B4 - Django (John Lewis) [original 1954 Version]