European Concert

The Modern Jazz Quartet, M.j.q | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1960
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Label M.
• ASIN: B000058TGY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #405,096 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Beautifully recorded in Scandinavia in 1960, the Modern Jazz Quartet's European Concert captures the Swiss watch interplay of pianist and musical director John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Connie Kay, who replaced Kenny Clarke in 1955. Originally released as a two-LP set, the concert boasts John Lewis's signature "Django" and, from his film work, "Skating in Central Park" and "Odds Against Tomorrow." Jackson's show stoppers "Bluesology" and "Bags' Groove" showcase his debt to the blues, and "Pyramid" recalls his gospel origins. Heath takes center stage on "La Ronde," and Kay's spare, in-the-pocket drumming kicks off in a Latin groove on the standard "I'll Remember April." The group puts their hushed, swinging stamp on "I Should Care," Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight," and Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." The MJQ's trademarked blend of bop and Bach is highlighted on the cool, contrapuntal number, "Vendome," which still sounds as innovative today as it did four decades ago. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Product Description

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. Atlantic. 2007. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Music is Divinity and Best of MJQ, November 30, 2009

By 

T. Cohen "ExPat Jazzer" (Down Under Somewhere) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: European Concert (Audio CD)

This music is the finest example of chamber jazz and for that matter tops in the Desert Island category of all times, jazz or otherwise. The compositions of each of the members is represented here. The often maligned pianistic style of musical director John Lewis is the epitome of standing behind the beat and simultaneously etching the loveliest of melodies. Just think, three Taurus and one Cappy, that would be Milt, bring the subject of jazz down-to-earth, swinging, and easy to embrace. Gorgeous and flowing lines from Milt's vibes, soft but sturdy bass from Percy, and the most ringing of percussion from Connie. This is my idea of Holiness. It doesn't get any better. BTW buy this version. It includes John's in between remarks to the appreciative and attentive crowd that April night. Other versions have cut this out endeavoring to cram all on one disc. Get this while it's still available. Cheers to MJQ

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nothing but the best from the MJQ., February 25, 2001

By 

"jazzfanmn" (St Cloud, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: European Concert (Audio CD)

Recorded in 1960 during a stop in Scandanavia, this long out of print classic makes a triumphant return. This classic quartet featured the line up of John Lewis on piano, Milt Jackson on vibraharp, Percy Heath on bass, and Connie Kay on drums that toured the world for 40 years. One of the definative MJQ albums, "European Concert" is a showcase for the style of jazz that made the quartet one of the most successfull and popular jazz groups of all time. The lead track, the John Lewis standard "Django", is a perfect example of their accessable laidback swing, Milt Jackson plays the sensitive intro and kicks it up for a masterful solo punctuated by his confident, shimmering vibraharp tone which glides seamlessly over the rock solid support of a rhythm section as tight as a lead pipe sinch. This cd is packed with memorable highlights with some of the best being a tender, bluesey take on "I Should Care", the MJQ standard "Bag's Groove", and a lovely version of "I Remember Clifford". This is a perfect introduction to the easy swing of the Modern Jazz Quartet, and a must have for long time fans who have waited too many years for it to resurface.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Concert, but an Edited Version of the Album, March 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: European Concert (Audio CD)

This is one of the most treasured recordings of the Modern Jazz Quartet. A live album that serves as an introduction to MJQ like no other collection could. However, this is not the complete album. Label M had edited out the introductions to the pieces by MJQ's leader John Lewis. Without the introductions the album loses a lot of its appeal. The introductions frame each song beautifully and provides a lot of intimacy to what could otherwise be a concert in an anonymous hall.

Nowhere in the liner notes to this CD is there any mention that the CD is edited. Label M should have warned potential listeners or noted it in its liner notes. Or better yet it should have relased it on 2 CD's.