Search - Modern Jazz Quartet :: Three Windows

Jelly Roll meets four seasons

Il Dottore | Buffalo, NY | 07/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a beautiful and unque combination of jazz and classical music. The New York Chamber Symphony joins forces with the MLQ here on one of the unacknowledged genius John Lewis's unacknowledged masterpeices. The only criticism I could make is that one would like to hear more soloing from the strings in the syphony. But other than that, the blending of the two groups is sublime. The symphony is used mostly for effect and orchestration, which at moments is a bit cinematic, at others a colorful, nuanced, and rich. There aren't many examples of such a successful blending of jazz and classical, so I would not hesitate to pick this one up. The way the MJQ play together on this music is almost miraculous. John Lewis' piano and Milt's vibes blend together and compliment one another and the sound of MJ's vibes over the strings should be an inspiration to composers of classical music everywhere. Lewis's compositions are especially a treat. They blend blues and swing with bach and paganini fluidly. His "A Day in Dubrovnik" is a three part vivaldi-esque peice that elicits images of venice and prague while flowing in and out of jazz grooves. Excellent compositions and excellent playing throughout."