The Modern Jazz Quartet - An annual tradition.



Since it's Christmas and we' re on a Holiday schedule of sorts I thought I would add a concert that was long thought non-existent but which has proven to be something of a classic for holiday concert recordings.

This one features the legendary Modern Jazz Quartet with the equally legendary Alto sax player Paul Desmond in what became known as the only appearance of the two giants of Jazz together in concert.

The recordings for this concert were long thought not to have existed, and it wasn't until they were unearthed in John Lewis' collection did this concert see the light of day for collectors in the early 1980's.

The disc (from what I understand) has been reissued by several labels over the years, and from what I gather is once again out of print. It's a memorable concert with both MJQ and Desmond complimenting each other perfectly.

If you haven't heard it or missed getting it the first time around, here's the complete concert and best wishes from Newstalgia for a great and high-voltage year.