Modern Jazz Quartet, The

Pyramid (PWR 27263)

Pyramid View larger

Pyramid

Modern Jazz Quartet, The

Poll Winners Records

8436028697410

PWR 124539

PWR 27263

JAZZ

1

CD 9,95 €

2 LPs on 1 CD

5 STARS DOWN BEAT MAGAZINE

The Modern Jazz Quartet’s classic original album Pyramid (Atlantic LP1325) in its entirety. Along with the title tune – a beautiful composition by Ray Brown – it presents the definitive version of John Lewis’ gem “Django”. As a bonus, the complete LP Patterns (United Artists UAL4063), which features the exact same personnel. The latter LP was recorded by the MJQ in between the sessions for Pyramid, and consists of six John Lewis compositions. The original 1954 version of “Django” has also been added as a bonus.

PERSONNEL:

JOHN LEWIS, piano
MILT JACKSON, vibes
PERCY HEATH, bass
CONNIE KAY, drums

Music Inn, Lenox, Massachusetts, August 22-25, 1959; New York,
December 21, 1959 & January 15, 1960.

*Bonus Album (7-12): PATTERNS
Same personnel. New York, October 9 & 10, 1959.

**Bonus Track (13):
Same personnel but Kenny Clarke (d) replaces Kay.
New York, December 23, 1954.

Tracks:

01 VENDOME
02 PYRAMID
03 IT DON’T MEAN A THING (IF IT AIN’T GOT THAT SWING)
04 DJANGO
05 HOW HIGH THE MOON
06 ROMAINE
07 SKATING IN CENTRAL PARK *
08 NO HAPPINESS FOR SLATER*
09 A SOCIAL CALL *
10 CUE 9 *
11 A COLD WIND IS BLOWING *
12 ODDS AGAINST TOMORROW *
13 DJANGO **

Total Time: 76:25
“This album affords good insight into the evolution of the MJQ with its new versions of ‘Django’ and ‘Vendome’. The present interpretations are taken at faster tempos than the original recordings, and while some of the subtle interplay among the instruments is lost, they swing more. In fact the LP swings as much if not more than any of the quartet’s previous efforts; but it’s a delicate swing, not of the sweaty,
down-home sort. Besides swinging, the MJQ offers intelligence also, something that the back-to-the-land advocates sometimes omit. A fine and worthy addition to your file of albums.” (Don DeMicheal) DOWN BEAT ORIGINAL REVIEW