The Modern Jazz Quartet – Concorde (Rudy Van Gelder Remaster) (1955/2014) [Official Digital Download 24bit/44,1kHz]

The Modern Jazz Quartet – Concorde (Rudy Van Gelder Remaster) (1955/2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 36:29 minutes | 398 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Prestige

This is a set with the Modern Jazz Quartet. The choice of material and its order of appearance approximates a set you might hear if you were listening to the group at one of America’s leading jazz rooms. All the pieces display different use of contrapuntal technique. The record features works, “Ralph’s New Blues” which starts off the set, “All of You” from Cole Porter’s musical Silk Stockings, and Sigmund Romberg’s “Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise” from New Moon. Originally recorded in 1955, the six song set has been remastered by Concord’s original engineer Rudy Van Gelder.

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. –AllMusic Review by Lindsay Planer

Tracklist:
01. Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath, Connie Kay – Ralph’s New Blues (07:11)
02. Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath, Connie Kay – All Of You (04:32)
03. Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath, Connie Kay – I’ll Remember April (05:09)
04. Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath, Connie Kay – Gershwin Medley: Soon / For You, For Me, Forevermore / Love Walked In / Our Love Is Here To Stay (07:58)
05. Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath, Connie Kay – Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (08:00)
06. Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath, Connie Kay – Concorde (03:38)

Personnel:
Milt Jackson, vibraphone
John Lewis, piano
Percy Heath, bass
Connie Kay, drums

Production:
Producers: Nick Phillips and Bob Porter
Mastering engineer: Rudy Van Gelder

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