Hailing from a trio of
Modern Jazz Quartet (
MJQ) sessions,
Django (1955) 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. ~ Lindsay Planer
