Customer Reviews

Odds Against Tomorrow

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I've been a fan of the Modern Jazz Quartet since 1960 or so, but somehow I never heard this film score composed by leader John Lewis and performed in a studio version in late 1959. It is lightly swinging and highly enjoyable. I never saw the movie it was written for, either, but according to the booklet, on the film soundtrack these works are done by a larger orchestra. I'd like to hear that version as well. The six pieces on this disc are great, sounding more like famous pop songs you just can't quite name than anything else. The MJQ did have a tendency to put out records in the 50's and 60's which were a bit cerebral,with some songs even dirge-like. This one avoids that fate. I think it would be a great introduction to the famous group for any jazz "newbie."

Yes, I too first heard this in the 1960s shortly after it came out as an album called Patterns. I loved it very much but then lost the album and for decades was haunted by the memory of those simple, elegant melodies. Then about ten years ago I found a pristine-quality vinyl edition of it in a used bin, paid a lot of money for it, and I cherish it again to this day.It's not one of their best-known albums and I am not sure why not. You won't be disappointed.

It's about time this great recording was re-released on CD. This was my first introduction to the MJQ back in the '60s when I was a college student. Over the years its haunting sounds have stayed with me and have shaped the way I listen to music. The original LP that I had was called "Patterns," but as I recall it did mention the film "Odds Against Tomorrow" (which is worth seeing, btw). This is about as close to a perfect jazz record (jazz of a certain type) as it gets, in my opinion. Every note seems like the only note that would work at that moment, and the sense of ensemble is, of course, incredible. If you love the MJQ or simply want to know more of their music, I suggest getting this CD before it goes into the out-of-print Limbo again!

I've had this record since the 1960's in LP format, and was eagerly awaiting its release in CD. The film, starring Harry Belafonte, Robert Ryan, Shelley Winters, Gloria Grahame (in a veery sexy role) a masterful portrait of an ex-cop by Ed Begley and directed by Robert Wise is an early thriller, filmed in B&W. The music, by MJQ director and pianist John Lewis makes a huge contribution to the movie. Even if you haven't seen the movie, this record stands alone as a powerful statement of jazz composition. This is no "background music", mind you. It includes the first recording of one of my favorites, Skating in Central Park, written in 3/4 waltz time, a lovely rendition of which can also be heard performed by Bill Evans and Jim Hall in their 1962 classic album, Undercurrent. Five Star material, definitely!

"Patterns" - the old very worn vinyl I've listened to since the early 60's - still sounds fresh and simply wonderful in this superb transfer to digital. The combination of a simplicity on the surface of the music but with underlying complexity and superb musicianship brings this album back into my favorites for just plain enjoyable listening. There is an open feeling to the music that allows my brain to just relax and process without being forced into ten directions of overload at once.