Product Details

• Actors: John Lewis, Micky Roker, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath
• Directors: V.I.E.W. Video
• Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: V.I.E.W. Video
• DVD Release Date: March 6, 2007
• Run Time: 58 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000LPR6C4
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,764 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Review

...can quench the thirst of almost every jazz fan. --The Washington Post

Product Description

40 Years of MJQ, presents the Modern Jazz Quartet's (MJQ) Fortieth Anniversary Concert, showcasing the signature sounds that ensured the group's lasting legacy in the history of music in a spectacular DVD package. Filmed live in Germany, the Quartet, performing the timeless compositions of their musical mastermind John Lewis, is accompanied by the lush sound of a full string orchestra. 40 Years after leaving Dizzy Gillespie s Big Band (where the MJQ originated as Gillespie s rhythm section), pianist and composer John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, vibraphonist extraordinaire Milt Jackson, and drummer Mickey Roker (subbing for original member Connie Kay) perform in this unforgettable musical celebration that exemplifies the dignity of Jazz. In this spectacular, live, full-length concert performance, the MJQ performs with the soul and the skill that defines the Jazz spirit, but you ll hear the band s love for classical European music reflected in gems like Three Windows (medley from the movie No Sun in Venice). Classical seems to be a key term here, for the Quartet s musicians grew up inspired by the giants of classical American Jazz such as Lester Young, Teddy Wilson, and Sid Catlett. This DVD, 40 Years of MJQ, exemplifies the beautiful flux between Classical and Jazz music in a fashion that has assured its lasting legacy in the world of Jazz, and stands as a venerable example of how tradition and innovation can merge into a deeply beautiful sound!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 40th Anniversary Concert!, July 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 40 Years of Mjq [VHS] (VHS Tape)

From their roots as the rhythm section in Dizzy Gillespie's immortal big band, the MJQ helped bring respectability to Jazz by interacting with classical ensembles and playing concerts at prestigious venues, but always leaving plenty of space for bluesy and swinging improvising. The 40th Anniversary Concert is no exception, featuring the group accompanied by a chamber string orchestra. With John Lewis, Milt Jackson, Percy Heath and Mickey Roker. #1350 (58 min, Hi-Fi Stereo)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Modern Jazz Quartet Anniversary DVD, July 11, 2009

By 

Robert J. Nuxoll "Bob Nuxoll" (Bayside, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 40th Anniversary Tour of The Modern Jazz Quartet (DVD)

Well done. It really catches the flavor of the quartet and allows them to try sophisticasted inter-action with a classical orchestra.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars kes's thoughts, December 15, 2010

By 

kes - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: 40th Anniversary Tour of The Modern Jazz Quartet (DVD)

Very quick and effective response.

I would certainly recommend their use.

Kes