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4070 Jazz Groups and Individuals
In my late teens my favourite jazz combo was the MJQ (Modern Jazz Quartet). With Milt Jackson on vibes and John Lewis on piano, their elegant music was based on jazz standards such as ‘How High the Moon’, ‘I’ll Remember April’ and ‘Softly as in a Morning Sunrise’, but they also played their own compositions; of which my favourites came from a film they had scored - set in Venice – with the ‘Golden Striker’ and ‘Cortege’.
More popular, but less talented in my opinion, was Dave Brubeck.
I saw Johnny Dankworth at that time, but I only came to appreciate him later, at the ‘Stables’. There he enters into the heart of the music – even having impromptu jam sessions with the musicians in the bar after the performance. His 70th birthday concert, which he gave at the Stables was a gem. His wife, Cleo Laine, is also very talented – as indeed are all the members of the family. But the real attraction is the Stables venue itself. It is luxurious, but intimate.
I saw Thelonius Monk, one of the great pianist/composers, on a double bill with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – who set the scene for so many other groups – and the evening was superb.
Another great jazz pianist, and one of my favourites, was Oscar Peterson. He accompanied Ella when I saw him.
Jacques Lussier, who we saw at the Stables, was also superb; especially with his version of Bach’s ‘Goldberg Variations’.
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