This CD presents two complete sessions led by vibraphonist
Milt Jackson
: one where the eventual members of
the Modern Jazz Quartet
are joined by saxophonist
Lou Donaldson
, and eight quartet tracks with
Thelonious Monk
. (The session with
Monk
is also on the four-CD set
The Complete Blue Note Recordings
of
's output between 1947 and 1952.) The July 2, 1948, date with
was recorded eight months after the pianist's first recordings as a leader.
Jackson
, responding to the demands of
's music with his customary fluid grace, is key to these definitive early recordings of
"Evidence,"
"Misterioso,"
"Epistrophy,"
and
"I Mean You."
Kenny Hagood
-- perhaps best known as the vocalist who sang
"Darn That Dream"
on
Miles Davis
'
Birth of the Cool
-- joins the group on two
standards
.
Hagood
impresses as he croons unperturbed over
, whose busy, intertwining lines make for a pleasantly bizarre accompaniment. The April 7, 1952, date with
Donaldson
does not have the impact of the tracks with
's uncomplicated
bop
is mildly diverting, but it's the consistently brilliant
who commands the listener's attention.
lays out on four tracks, including the two takes of the set's highlight,
's
"Lillie."
Here the vibraphonist effortlessly weaves 16th notes across the
ballad
's accompaniment by his future
MJQ
partners. As always, it's not
's speed that impresses, it's his taste, musicianship, and artistry. ~ Jim Todd