Customer Reviews

Fortieth Anniversary Celebration

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Joined by fellow-musicians such as Take 6, Branford Marsalis and Bobby McFerrin, this celebration-album offers a laid-back jazz that inspirez any jazz-lover to pay close attention to the old-style.

which is part of the group's 40th anniversary celebration. It's unique from the standpoint that if features ten different guests and rather than concentrating on the repertoire of MJQ, other than "Bags' Groove" and "Django", features standards over the years......appropriate also in that the guests include Illinois Jacquet and "Sweets" Edison from the swing era through the vocalese of Bobby McFerrin & Take 6.

The recording sessions date from 1992 through 1993 and feature plenty of space for solos by Milt Jackson and John Lewis as well as the guests. The usual fine support is heard from Percy Heath and Connie Kay, on the 1993 sessions, with the very capable Mickey Roker on the 1992 sessions, leading me to believe Connie Kay may have had health problems at the time.

This is a very good set providing some variety from the usual favorites of which there are many available in print. I think that fans of this group and of small group jazz in general will welcome this cd as an acquisition for their library.

This is my 1st MJQ CD & i think its one of the best work yet ever done by this magnificent group.My favourate instrument here is the the bass guitar it has that feel that holds the whole group together, these guys keep on taping that bass Oh! unbelievable. The trumpet on "willow weep for me" is very much visible.on track 7 the tenor saxophone starts with mellow sound & then Milt Jackson playing on vibes need no explanation the legeng was a talented artist.I actually played this CD all night as I could not get enough of each song.There's also Take 6 & Bobby Macfarren doing the vocals on "Bags Grove" & also on the last track. there's a song recorded live Switzerland? These are highly experienced men of jazz & what they did here was incredile the best work. Im still listening & will be back with more information on this magnificent work.