Customer Reviews

Dedicated to Connie Kay

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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

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.)

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.

Having purchased various MJQ recordings throughout the years, I relish the fact that now there are recordings released that years ago I would have only dream of.

I'm thrilled with this release; it's one such recording that captures a moment, a time. Even the location has significance. They were dark and yet exciting times for Slovenia and that part of Europe. Interesting how MJQ had a large following there. This recording shows how appreciative the audience is of that form of American music called Jazz. The music is somber, creative and yet filled with moments of swing and bop.

My only encounters with MJQ live were in 1982 & 1985. The sound was some what different then as they were at the end of an extinguished career.

This concert, the music chosen and how they performed it is simply breath taking. Mr. Bolden here in another review said it well.

I would only add that this music is ageless and it captures the essence of what is sometimes billed as "America's Classical Music".

Jazz is many things to many minds. MJQ's music, such as this fine double, occupies the very hightest strata of musical nourishment. The compositions of John Lewis, represented here, have guided this listener through personal and national calamity & grace equally. Their music is in my bones. The swinging is so sublime. Their tonal pictures are soft and easy through the changes. This particular album is for me nearly tied for first. That would be their European Concert done weeks earlier in Scandinavia. May they soothe the Collective Soul forever.

John Lewis has described this as one of the finest MJQ concerts ever. He probably is not wrong.

A tribute to drummer Connie Kay by the modern jazz quartet this is a 1960 live concert in Slovenia which they consider their best performace ever. Any listener would have to agree. Every cut a winner. Milt Jackson's vibes are energizing and contageously joyful especially on Vendome and and Cylinder. A must have for any classic jazz collection.