Search - Paul Desmond, Modern Jazz Quartet :: Paul Desmond & Modern Jazz Quartet

Great Blending of gentle and lyrical artists

05/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent outing. Although I like the Modern Jazz Quartet, I feel that the addition of a Paul Desmond or Sonny Rollins loosens the group and makes them seem a little less like a jazz chamber quartet. Unlike the contrast provided by the stronger, driving Sonny Rollins, Desmond is complementary; he fits the gentle, lyrical style of the MJQ. Unfortunately, they only played together this one time. I highly recommend this recording.Another reviewer commented on the high-pitched buzz on the RealAudio sample. This "buzz" is merely an artifact of the poor quality offered in the RealAudio sample. The "buzz" is actually Connie Kay's percussion work - he is ringing a "triangle". Wood blocks and tuned cymbals are characteristic of this drummer's work in the MJQ."

The perfect rhythm section for the perfect alto saxophonist.

William Gowers | Louisville, KY United States | 09/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I sip my glass of Beujoulas I savor the best sounds I'll probably hear during this lifetime.
"Greensleeves" swings like there's no tomorrow. No one plays a jazz waltz like Desmond. He floats effortlessly over a rhythm section of of sonic lace. This is what dreams are made of.
"You Go To My Head" has been played several times by Desmond. One of his most memorable renditions occured on his Duets album with Brubeck. This is a gently swinging version that lacks the melancholy of the former version.
"Blue Dove" was first recorded by Brubeck/Desmond on Bravo Brubeck. This is, simply put, a perfect melody. Few melodies are worthy of Desmond's divine gift. This happens to be one.
"Jesus Christ Superstar" is a most unlikely inclusion. Maybe because the concert was recorded on Christmas Day? It's haunting and the vamp at the end still echos in my mind.
"Here's that Rainy Day" shows how different styles can be complementary. MJQ double times the accompaniment with blues inflections while Desmond floats above. An inspiring rendition of a classic tune.
"East of the Sun" is another tune that seems to have been written for Desmond. Desmond swings like there's no tomorrow. Milt Jackson trades fours with Desmond at the end. Few things swing as hard as this tune.
"Bag's New Groove" is a blues that shows the funky side of Desmond (is that an oxymoron?). This tune has more great interplay between Jackson and Desmond.
Time for another glass of Beujoulas. Time to hit repeat on the CD player."

A must for Desmond fans

Gerrit Ruitinga | Antwerp | 03/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album's jacket says that originally the recording of the concert with the MJQ was never meant to be a record. Thank God ( and the record company of course) that it is now available. This concert was superb with beautiful songs like Greensleeves but also with songs like Jesus Christ Superstar which were not published before played by Desmond.As usual Paul Desmond leaves a lot of room for those who accompany him. His capability of blending in with his fellow musicians is unique. With whomever he plays ( Brubeck, Mulligan or in this case the MJQ) you will recognize his gentle and lyrical style immediately but, unlike many others, he sucks in the style of his fellow musicians to produce again another unique piece of work.For me, he is one of the great players ever and it is a pity that we are not able anymore to get new work from him.For the real Desmond fans this album is, again, a must."