Customer Reviews

European Concert

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

I have always had a penchant for Milt Jackson's (aka Bags) incredible vibes. He had a wonderful touch for his instrument that is captured on this must-have disc. From his mournful sound on "Django", to the sweet and mellow notes of "Skating in Central Park", you will love this cd. Guaranteed. The playing by the rest of MJQ is above par as well, especially the lead melody part being played by the bass on La Ronde. For those Ellington fans out there, you will enjoy the interesting version of It Don't Mean a Thing. A very satisfying album and a lot of music for the money.

The cd version of "European Concert" that was in my library included spoken intros by John Lewis on a number of tracks; however, after repeated listenings these intros become an annoyance, disrupting the flow of the music. I don't know whether or not the current cd(s) include the spoken intros, but the download version does not, and I was happy to spend another $10 to get this talk-free version of what is arguably one of the finest MJQ albums out there. The sound has also been fiddled with - hard to say if it's been remastered - because the vibes and piano are reversed on the channels from the original cd edition. This is not a negative, just an alteration.

If you have the budget for only one MJQ recording, this one should be it. Five stars.

In my estimation, this music represents the MJQ at its best. I have waited years for the original to be re-released in CD format. Unfortunately, it appears that the "master" from which the CD is produced is flawed. I have played two copies, and the same flaw was found in both. There is a "skip" in the "Pyramid" track; in fact, it sounds as if the "master" was made from a vinyl recording, and that the needle jumped a groove, unbeknownst to the engineer.