This is the type of album that led many bop purists to criticize
the Modern Jazz Quartet
(and
John Lewis
in particular) for being overly influenced by Western classical music. This album has seven of
Lewis
' compositions, episodic works arranged in a suite that portrays characters from a fictional Italian comedy based in the 1500s. Singer
Diahann Carroll
guests fairly effectively on
"La Cantatrice."
Despite being tied to a story, there are some strong improvisations from pianist
and vibraphonist
Milt Jackson
on this unusual material. The release is not that essential but it is quite interesting. ~ Scott Yanow