Concorde

by The Modern Jazz Quartet

Overview

After issuing 10" EPs for several years, Concorde (1955) marked two significant touchstones in the five-plus-decade career of the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ). One of those was the replacement of co-founder Kenny Clarke (drums) with former Lester Young quintet member Connie Kay (drums), who joined in time for the other hallmark -- this, the MJQ's very first full-length long-player. Kay remained with the combo for the better part of four decades, until his passing in 1994. The transition between percussionists is both smooth as well as sensible. Kay's understated rhythms and solid timekeeping are perfectly suited to the clever arrangements and sophisticated sound of Milt Jackson (vibraphone), John Lewis (piano) and Percy Heath (bass). One MJQ constant is the blend of classic covers and stunning original compositions that comprise their releases. Concorde is certainly no exception as the effort kicks off with a mid-tempo Jackson's "Ralph's New Blues." Immediately, Kay's contributions are ample yet discrete, as he interacts with a consistent backbeat, supporting the tasty vibe runs and improvisations from the tune's author. The title track "Concorde" is the other tune to be derived from within the band. Lewis' effervescent syncopation drives through the heart of the melody, with the pianist laying down essential interplay. Once again Kay impresses with well-placed ringing interjections that never overpower the soloist. Most notable among the reworked popular standards are the slightly brooding opulence of Cole Porter's "All of You" and the fugal, if not slightly Third Stream approach taken on "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" from the short-lived collaborations of Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein II. However, the centerpiece is undoubtedly the four selections within the "Gershwin Medley." The interpretations of "Soon," "For You, For Me Forevermore," "Love Walked In" and "Our Love Is Here to Stay" are nothing short of definitive. They collectively provide keen insight into the inner-workings of the MJQ and their collective abilities to improvise with purpose, rather than simply combining aimless solos. All manner of post-bop jazz listeners will find much to enjoy throughout Concorde. ~ Lindsay Planer

Product Details

Release Date:	09/02/2014
Label:	Fantasy
UPC:	0888072359291
Rank:	99182

Tracks

1. Ralph's New Blues
2. All of You
3. I'll Remember April
4. Gershwin Medley: Soon/For You, For Me, Forevermore/Love Walked In/Our Love is Here To Stay
5. Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise
6. Concorde

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Modern Jazz Quartet   Primary Artist
John G. Lewis   Piano
John Richard Lewis   Piano
Connie Kay   Drums
Percy Heath   Bass
John Lewis   Piano
Milt Jackson   Vocals,Vibraphone

Technical Credits

Bob Weinstock   Producer,Supervisor
Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer
Bob Parent   Cover Design
Alan Yoshida   Mastering
Shigeo Miyamoto   Mastering
Larissa Collins   Assistant
John G. Lewis   Group Member
Rikka Arnold   Editorial
Sam Gay   Creative Director
Sakiko Yamanaka   Wardrobe
Tamaki Beck   Supervisor
Gene DePaul   Composer
Ira Gitler   Liner Notes,Recording Supervision
Cole Porter   Composer
Chris Clough   Reissue Production Assistance
Connie Kay   Group Member
Patricia Johnston   Composer
Pat Johnston   Composer
Don Raye   Composer
George Gershwin   Composer
Gene Paul   Composer
Ira Gershwin   Composer
Joe Tarantino   Digital Remastering
Percy Heath   Group Member
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer,Remastering
Peter Grant   Series Design
Nick Phillips   Reissue Producer
John Lewis   Composer
Milt Jackson   Composer,Group Member
Akira Taguchi   Producer,Compilation Producer
Sigmund Romberg   Composer