Modern Jazz Quartet Live in Belgium (Part II)

In this second part of the 1963 concert by the Modern Jazz Quartet, John Lewis and Milt Jackson lead the way on piano and vibraphone with Percy Heath and Connie Kay offerering a rhythms that weaves elegant and restrained swing into the cool jazz the group made its name on. It was for the Jazz Pour Tous (jazz for all) television series that ran from 59' to 69' that they gathered, having already conquered the US club circuit in the decade previous. Indeed, they made up one of the most enduring and successful small ensembles in history. 

Here, they deliver tracks penned by John Lewis and Milt Jackson, as well as "Lonely Woman" (the opener), an Ornette Coleman piece the great saxophonist wrote after being inspired by a painting showing a lavish and rich lady who presented the "most solitary expression in the world." Throughout, Jackson unspools blues-based solos while Lewis keeps a classical poise on the piano – a truly great pairing emboldened by a stellar rhythm section. The Modern Jazz Quartet are musicians' musicians and they still suprises to this day.