The Modern Jazz Quartet

The Modern Jazz Quartet

The Modern Jazz Quartet (formed 1952) married chamber poise to bluesy swing: John Lewis’s spare, architectural piano, Milt Jackson’s warm vibraphone, Percy Heath’s anchoring bass, and Connie Kay (after Kenny Clarke) on drums. Third-stream standard-bearers, they cut classics like Django, Fontessa, Pyramid and At Music Inn; signature pieces include “Django” and “Vendôme.”