Medley: They Say It's Wonderful/How Deep Is The Ocean/I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You/My Old Flame/Body And Soul
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
La Ronde: Drums
Night In Tunisia
Yesterdays
Bags' Groove
Baden-Baden
Originally issued on LP in 1957 on Atlantic Records. John Lewis himself said this was one of their best efforts. This album is available for the first time on CD. Remastered. Wounded Bird Records. 2002.
Originally issued on LP in 1957 on Atlantic Records. John Lewis himself said this was one of their best efforts. This album is available for the first time on CD. Remastered. Wounded Bird Records. 2002.
CD Reviews
Great stuff
Joost Daalder | South Australia | 10/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These tracks were among the first of the MJQ to come my way when I was in my teens, and I still remember the overwhelming impression of a rare beauty they made on me. That beauty has not diminished with time. This is, I feel confident, the kind of music people will still enjoy centuries hence - among the best music of the twentieth century. The tone was always restrained, but never lifeless: the balance was very exact and satisfying. All of the musicians could swing hard when they chose to, but did so without wildness though with plenty of verve and intensity. The music was intelligent and inventive, but driven by plenty of emotion and sensitivity. Pianist Lewis was a most gifted composer and arranger as well as musician. Milt Jackson was among the greatest instrumentalists, on any instrument, of his generation. The other two were also among the best. The coherence achieved was extraordinary - never surpassed, and rarely if ever equalled. Even my parents enjoyed this music, and not because it is not jazz. It for the most part IS jazz, of a totally distinctive kind: there is no replacement, and you will not regret owning this and playing it frequently. - Joost Daalder"
100x-stars: A Great Disc.
Joost Daalder | 07/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"MJQ pianist John Lewis expressed great satisfaction with this disc: it's a well played, well recorded, classic set of MJQ's brand of chamber jazz. Really, this disc vies for top position: it just might be the MJQ's best CD. Good price $$; great sound. Can't go wrong."
The essence of the MJQ
Michael Maiman | San Mateo, CA United States | 09/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After having seen "Annie Get Your Gun" the other night at the local playhouse in San Mateo, I was surprised to discover that "They Say It's Wonderful" was from that 1946 show. I arrived home and reported immediately to the turntable to savor the 5-tune medley that I have listened to since I purchased this album (vinyl) in high school four decades ago). Lewis, Jackson, Kay and Heath never failed to please. The jazz is subtle, lyrical, and just plain beautiful. It's great to have the sounds preserved on CD and MP3! "They say that love is wonderful"...and so is this music."
Real "Cool" Jazz
Peter Kaiafas | Valpo, IN | 10/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What makes this recording great is the vibe created by these four great musicians. "Chamber jazz", as the latter reviewer calls it, is simply another label that can be given to what is truly provocative and gorgeous music created by four beautiful people. When I look at the front cover and hear the sounds these four beautiful Arican-Americans created in the late 50's I can only sit in awe.
I love Milt Jackson. His vibraphone created some of the greatest sounds in Jazz. John Lewis seems to play with only his right hand, but does with that one hand more than many could do before him. Percy Heath and Connie Kay keep the subtle but powerful rhythm flowing. The best Jazz cd I have found in a long time."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1