The Modern Jazz Quartet - 40 Years of MJQ (Live John Lewis, Milt Jackson) (2025)

40 Years of MJQ presents the Modern Jazz Quartet’s (MJQ) 40th Anniversary Concert, showcasing the signature sounds that have ensured the group’s enduring legacy in music history. Recorded live in Germany, the Quartet, playing the timeless compositions of their musical genius John Lewis, is accompanied by the lush sound of a full string orchestra. 40 years after leaving Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band (where MJQ originated as Gillespie’s rhythm section), pianist and composer John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, vibraphonist extraordinaire Milt Jackson and drummer Mickey Roker (replacing original member Connie Kay) perform in this unforgettable musical celebration that exemplifies the dignity of Jazz.

In this spectacular full-concert live performance, MJQ performs with the soul and skill that defines the spirit of jazz, but you’ll hear the band’s love of European classical music reflected in gems like Three Windows (a mix of the film Sunless in Venice). “Classical” seems to be a key term here, as the Quartet’s musicians grew up inspired by American classical jazz giants like Lester Young, Teddy Wilson and Sid Catlett.

“…can quench the thirst of almost any jazz fan.” – Washington Post

This 40 Years of MJQ album exemplifies the beautiful flow between classical music and jazz in a way that has ensured its enduring legacy in the jazz world and stands as a venerable example of how tradition and innovation can merge into a profoundly beautiful sound.

Tracklist
1. Three Windows (from No Sun In Venice) (MJQ - live John Lewis, Percy Heath) (03:51)
2. The Golden Striker (from "No Sun In Venice") (MJQ - Live, Milt Jackson, John Lewis, radio version) (03:43)
3. Sketch (feat Kammerorchester Arcata Stuttgart - MJQ - live Milt Jackson, John Lewis) (05:54)
4. Alexander's Fugue (feat Kammerorchester Arcata Stuttgart - MJQ - live Milt Jackson, John Lewis) (05:26)
5. Adagio From Concierto De Aranjuez (MJQ, Live, John Lewis, Milt Jackson, radio version) (05:01)
6. A Day In Dubrovnik Suite: Afternoon (feat Kammerorchester Arcata Stuttgart - MJQ - live John Lewis, Milt Jackson) (04:45)
7. A Day In Dubrovnik Suite: Night (feat Kammerorchester Arcata Stuttgart - MJQ - live John Lewis, Milt Jackson) (07:53)
8. A Day In Dubrovnik Suite: Morning (feat Kammerorchester Arcata Stuttgart - MJQ - live Milt Jackson, John Lewis) (04:28)