The Modern Jazz Quartet were incredibly important in the development of jazz in the 1950s. They officially disbanded in 1974, but they’ve reformed for both concerts and recordings several times since then.
The Modern Jazz Quartet was originally formed as the Milt Jackson Quartet (which, conveniently, had the same initials, MJQ) and consisted of Jackson on vibraphone, John Lewis on piano, Percy Heath on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums.
The MJQ was formed in 1952. In 1968 the MJQ were signed to the Beatles’ Apple label – the only jazz group to do so – on which they released Under The Jasmine Tree (ST-3353) in 1968 and Space (STAO—3360) in 1969.
MILT JACKSON Vibes/JOHN LEWIS Piano/PERCY HEATH Bass/CONNIE KAY Drums.
