Modern Jazz Quartet: Concert In Japan Vol.1 & Vol.2

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Percy Heath (b)
Connie Kay (d)
John Lewis (p)
Milt Jackson (vib)

Label:

Atlantic

August/2014

Catalogue Number:

8122-79601-8/79602-8

RecordDate:

14 March 1966

Whereas it's commonplace for touring artists to send wish-you-were-here postcards to the folks back home, the MJQ often plumped for recording albums. Having celebrated visits to Sweden, Montreux, Slovenia, Germany, France and the UK with fresh black vinyl location recordings they looked to the East. As was the custom back in the day, many western artists touring Japan left behind a live souvenir. This lesser-known 1966 Tokyo concert recording was originally meant exclusively for loyal local fans as a token of appreciation and a contractual obligation. With their previous European Concerts (1960) release as an ultimate yardstick, this Japanese album offered a slightly different overview. Less starchy than some of their more self-conscious studio offerings, this is much more relaxed, allowing the inclusion of five Jackson originals (‘Really True Blues’, ‘The Cylinder’, ‘For Someone I Love’, ‘Ralph's New Blues’ and ‘Bags’ Groove’). Though there are moments where Jackson's vibes can be a shade on the treble side, the overall impression is of an informal club date rather than a formal black tie concert.

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