The Last Concert
Live album by The Modern Jazz Quartet
Released 1975 [originally released in 1974]
Recorded November 25, 1974
Genre Jazz
Length 1:30:23
Label Atlantic
Producer Ilhan Mimaroglu
Recorded at the Avery Fisher Hall in New York on November 25, 1974, The Modern Jazz Quartet comprised of vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Percy Heath, pianist John Lewis and drummer Connie Kay are at their very best. Performing with their distinctive bebop, cool jazz and third-stream sound, a blend of jazz and classical influences, the quartet performs some of their greatest hits including ÒBagsÕ Groove,Ó ÒSummertime,Ó ÒA Night in TunisiaÓ and ÒDjango.Ó This is essential for any jazz collection.
Professional Ratings:
allmusic 5/5 stars
Review by Scott Yanow of allmusic:
The Modern Jazz Quartet broke up after the concert documented on this album. It would be nearly seven years before the group got back together again but it certainly went out on top. Mostly revisiting their greatest hits, the MJQ plays inspired versions of such songs as "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," "Bags' Groove," "Skating in Central Park," "Confirmation," "The Golden Striker," and, of course, "Django." This set is a real gem (the music is essential for all serious jazz collections), featuring vibraphonist Milt Jackson, pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Connie Kay at their very best.
LP track listing
Side One
1. "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise" (Oscar Hammerstein, Sigmund Romberg) - 6:29
2. "The Cylinder" (Milt Jackson) - 5:30
3. "Summertime" (DuBose Heyward, George Gershwin) - 7:49
4. "Trav'lin'" (John Lewis) - 5:39
Side Two
5. "Blues in A Minor" (John Lewis) - 7:47
6. "One Never Knows (From Roger Vadim's film No Sun in Venice)" (John Lewis) - 7:24
7. "Bags' Groove" (Milt Jackson) - 6:43
Side Three
8. "Confirmation" (Charlie Parker) - 4:53
9. "'Round Midnight" (Bernard D. Hanighen, Charles Williams, Thelonious Monk) - 7:35
10. "Night in Tunisia" (Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Paparelli) - 5:20
11. "The Golden Striker (From Roger Vadim's film No Sun in Venice)" (John Lewis) - 5:27
Side Four
12. "Skating in Central Park" (John Lewis) - 6:34
13. "Django" (John Lewis) - 6:12
14. "What's New?" (Bob Haggart, Johnny Burke) - 7:12
Personnel:
* Milt Jackson - vibraphone
* John Lewis - piano
* Percy Heath - bass
* Connie Kay - drums