third stream/cool (1960)

Milt Jackson, vibraphone; John Lewis, piano; Percy Heath, bass; Connie Kay, drums.

The opening melody is a lament for guitarist Django Reinhardt, who died in 1953. As is usual when listening to the Modern Jazz Quartet, it is often difficult to determine which ideas have been freshly invented and which rehearsed. The different ways in which the musicians treat each section show a mature and subtle ability to improvise. Both Jackson and Lewis are brilliant soloists, and their contrasting styles complement each other. Jacksons technique is more suited to bebop, whereas Lewis is more restrained and often builds on clear melodic ideas. The clarity of Lewis playing enhances the many textures in this recording.
