The Modern Jazz Quartet - Django (1956/2006/2014) [Official Digital Download]

"Django", originally released in 1956 and features some of the best playing by The Modern Jazz Quintet in their discography. The album's sessions took place between 1953 and 1955, mostly recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. All original tunes are by John Lewis, and the album also includes a few songs by Dizzy Gillespie and George & Ira Gershwin.

Hailing from a trio of Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) sessions, Django contains some of the earliest sides that Milt Jackson (vibraphone), John Lewis (piano), Percy Heath (bass) and Kenny Clarke (drums) recorded for Prestige Records. Initially, the combo was part of Dizzy Gillespie's influential backing band and after a change in drummers (to Connie Kay), they continued as one of the more sophisticated aggregates of the post-bop era. The album commences with Lewis' sublime and serene title track "Django," dedicated to the memory of guitarist extraordinaire Django Reinhardt. This musical paean aptly recaptures the essence of Reinhardt's enigmatic gypsy-like nature, especially evident within Jackson's leads, which emerge from the thoughtful opening dirge with a refined, warm tone throughout. Reinhardt's playfulness is recalled in Lewis' well-placed interjections between and beneath Jackson's lines. "One Bass Hit" is an homage to Gillespie with Heath taking charge of the intricate melody, showing off his often criminally underutilized skills. From the same December 1954 gathering comes the moody Lewis-penned ballad "Milano." There is a notable Mediterranean feel resounding in the opulence of MJQ's unassuming interaction. The centerpiece is the lengthy four-movement showcase "La Ronde Suite" circa January of 1955. The MJQ maneuver with unquestionable grace, alternately supporting and soloing, each taking the reigns as the others construct their contributions around the respective soloist. The remaining four selections date back to June of 1953 and are highlighted by "The Queen's Fancy," a simple and refined fugue that carries a distinct air of nobility. "Delaunay's Dilemma" is a definite contrast as it allows the players to cut loose with some frisky and fun exchanges that perfectly demonstrate their ability to glide through the sinuous syncopation. Both the understated splendor of "Autumn in New York" and the equally sublime cover of "But Not for Me" provide some familiar backdrops for the MJQ to collaborate and perhaps more directly display their essential improvisational abilities. In terms of seminal Modern Jazz Quartet entries, it is hard to exceed the variety of styles and performances gathered on Django.

Tracklist:

01 - Django
02 - One Bass Hit
03 - La Ronde Suite: Piano / Bass / Vibes / Drums
04 - The Queen's Fancy
05 - Delaunay's Dilemma
06 - Autumn In New York
07 - But Not For Me
08 - Milano

Recorded on June 25, 1953 (tracks 4-7), in New York, NY; December 23, 1954 (tracks 1,2, & 8) in Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, NJ; and January 9, 1955 (track 3), in Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, NJ.
All transfers were made from the analog master tapes to digital at 24-bit resolution.
Remastered by Rudy Van Gelder at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs in 2005.

Musicians:
Milt Jackson - vibraphone
John Lewis - piano
Percy Heath - bass
Kenny Clarke - drums

A Note From Rudy Van Gelder:
I was the engineer on the recording sessions and I also made the masters for the original LP issues of these albums. Since the advent of the CD, other people have been making the masters. Mastering is the final step in the process of creating the sound of the finished product. Now, thanks to the folks at the Concord Music Group who have given me the opportunity to remaster these albums, I can present my versions of the music on CD using modern technology. I remember the sessions well, I remember how the musicians wanted to sound, and I remember their reactions to the playbacks. Today, I feel strongly that I am their messenger.

Thanks to the Original customer!