What's Spinning Today

You know that I'm fond of the Modern Jazz Quartet and have written often about how they are one of my favourite bands of all time (one of many, admittedly...) but I am also a fan of vibes-master Milt Jackson's solo work.

For the most part, it is quite different from the MJQ since that band's music was largely arranged by pianist John Lewis and had a healthy dose of classical music infused into their sound. His solo work tends to be more bop oriented, which makes sense since he did hone his chops in Dizzy Gillespie's band in the '40s. It was there he first played with John Lewis.

The story goes that when the horn players took an intermission, this rhythm section would remain onstage and soon enough decided to leave Dizzy's band to explore their own sound. In 1952 Percy Heath joined the band and then three years later Connie Kay replaced Kenny 'Klook' Clark and the foursome would go on to greatness.

Even though the MJQ toured and recorded regularly, Milt Jackson also recorded under his own name with many of the biggest names in jazz including John Coltrane, Oscar Peterson and Wes Montgomery.

Milt ringing those bells

This morning I was taken by 'Sandra's Blues' from the album 'Bean Bags' (1959). (Milt Jackson's nickname was 'Bags', which in a genre full of classic nicknames such as Klook, Bird, Duke, Lady Day, this ranks as one of the worst... but what's in a name, right? At least it's not as lame as Mel Torme's nickname: The Velvet Mist...) This track features the breathy sax of Coleman Hawkins and the guitar work of a young Kenny Burrell.

A great song to begin a Friday. Enjoy!

Tyranny of the Drums

Jimmy's feeling it

I know my friends who are drummers aren't going to be fond of this post, (sorry G-Man, Achtung Baby and Dr. Rockmore...) but Jimmy Giuffre made a fascinating point:

Jimmy Giuffre complained about the 'tyranny of the drums' in jazz, and that the only non-tyrannical drummer was no drummer at all.

- from the liner notes to 'Herb Ellis Meets Jimmy Giuffre'

Now I am a fan of drums in jazz, but I can see Jimmy's point. He wanted the freedom that came without having that person whacking away behind him. As much as I love Art Blakey I don't think he would have added much to the beautiful trio Jimmy formed with Jim Hall. Once they added Bob Brookmeyer to the mix they had one of my favourite groups ever (yes, you keen readers will notice that I use the phrase 'favourite group ever' an awful lot... but cut me some slack... there are so many groups to love in jazz, surely you are learning this by now, aren't you?).

jazz in a peaceful setting

While he may have not liked playing with drummers, I would point out that one of my favourite Jimmy recordings is the album he made with the Modern Jazz Quartet (another of my favourite groups ever...) "The Modern Jazz Quartet at Music Inn." Perhaps he could work with Connie Kay's drumwork, since he did have a style all his own; one that fit perfectly with the rest of the band. He didn't the need to dominate the group. One of the things I love about the MJQ, and this recording in particular, is how well they play together and how well they compliment one another. Jimmy fits perfectly into this ensemble and it's a shame the five didn't record together more often. If you get a chance, listen to 'Fugue' or 'Fun' from this album.

Have a listen to the group play 'Serenade' from that concert, which must have been a treat for those in attendance.

[Feel free to ignore the video of the guy playing bass in this YouTube clip... focus on the fine music]

It's Easy To Forget Jimmy Giuffre

How many times have we sat around and discussed the greats? Too often to count. Let's face it though, we talk for an awfully long time before anyone mentions Jimmy Giuffre.

Jimmy showed us clarinets can be cool

Surprising isn't it? Perhaps he was always overshadowed by other players, but he was pushing boundaries and expanding the limits of jazz and everyone that followed him benefited from his explorations. I could go on about his history, about how he was part of the whole 'cool jazz' thing and played with Mulligan and was a great arranger and that he is my favourite clarinetist of all time, (who, as you can see from the clip, can also play a fine baritone and tenor and could probably swing on every instrument ever made if he set his mind to it) but instead I'll just direct you to this great song, 'The Train and the River' with his stellar trio featuring the wonderful Jim Hall on guitar. They two were certainly like minded and recorded a lot of wonderful, highly-recommended music together.
Don't you love the recording Giuffre made with the Modern Jazz Quartet at The Music Inn? That's another essential recording isn't it? Oh yes, and the album Sonny Stitt recorded with him is also wonderful. Jimmy, I could go on and on. Let's talk about him more often, okay?

Sorry, Red

one of these men does not belong here

I have a confession to make.
When I listen to the Red Norvo Trio playing Move I find myself wishing that Red's tinkly vibes could be wiped from the track leaving us to enjoy the duo of Tal Farlow on guitar and Charles Mingus on bass. I would have liked the Red Norvo Trio, without the Red Norvo.

Sorry, Red, I feel like I'm being extremely blunt and that you're scowling from beyond the grave.

We all know that you helped bring the vibraphone to jazz, so thank you thank you thank you for allowing us to hear the beauty of Walt Dickerson's 'To My Queen' and Milt Jackson on just about every track he ever recorded, yes thank you for the MJQ but please stop looking at me like that.

Modern Jazz vs. Labour Dispute

one of the greatest quartets of all time

Canada Post is on strike again.

Not only will this cause delays with Emmerson Street Press (I was going to send out promo copies this week!) but it will in all likelihood delay me receiving my long-anticipated Father's Day gift (ordered early in case the limited edition sells out) of Mosaic Records' Modern Jazz Quartet box set.

C'mon folks, settle your differences! There are Canadian jazz aficionados out there who need their mail!

How much MJQ is too much MJQ?

the modern jazz quartet

If I have one weakness it is Mosaic Records. Well... I also have a weakness for strong dark roast coffee.  I try to keep it at two cups a day but that 2:30 cup is often the best.

Mosaic Records puts out amazing jazz box sets full of rarities and unreleased material.  I could go on and on about some sets of the past but I will restrain myself.  Okay, I'll just mention that the Ahmad Jamal set is superb.  I will have to write about him soon.  His drummer Vernel Fournier! A revelation!

Coming soon from Mosaic is this:

The Complete Atlantic Studio Recordings of The Modern Jazz Quartet 1956-64 (7 CDs)

And here's what they say about the MJQ: "That sound. One group conceived it. Defined it. Perfected it. The Modern Jazz Quartet was certainly one of the most distinctive voices in the history of jazz, thanks to the unique qualities of personal expression and collective vision of its members."

And they are very good. They are one of the tightest bands in the history of jazz.  They preferred the concert hall over the nightclub.  These were skilled and serious men, serious about the music and about presenting it with class and dignity.  And the music is strong!  I admit, sometimes I miss a horn player... but Milt jackson sure can ring those bells.

So the question is this: is seven CDs of MJQ too much MJQ?  The set contains fourteen albums! MJQ is not in regular rotation in this house.  I listen to them for a few hours but then I drift away again.  I should admit that I already own MJQ: 40 which is a four CD greatest hits so there is bound to be some overlap...  Surely four discs is enough, right?

Ahhh, who am I kidding. I'm going to buy it.