This CD presents two complete sessions led by vibraphonist
Milt Jackson: one where the eventual members of
the Modern Jazz Quartet are joined by saxophonist
Lou Donaldson, and eight quartet tracks with
Thelonious Monk. (The session with
Monk is also on the four-CD set
The Complete Blue Note Recordings of
Monk's output between 1947 and 1952.) The July 2, 1948, date with
Monk was recorded eight months after the pianist's first recordings as a leader.
Jackson, responding to the demands of
Monk's music with his customary fluid grace, is key to these definitive early recordings of "Evidence," "Misterioso," "Epistrophy," and "I Mean You."
Kenny Hagood -- perhaps best known as the vocalist who sang "Darn That Dream" on
Miles Davis' Birth of the Cool -- joins the group on two standards.
Hagood impresses as he croons unperturbed over
Monk and
Jackson, whose busy, intertwining lines make for a pleasantly bizarre accompaniment. The April 7, 1952, date with
Donaldson does not have the impact of the tracks with
Monk.
Donaldson's uncomplicated bop is mildly diverting, but it's the consistently brilliant
Jackson who commands the listener's attention.
Donaldson lays out on four tracks, including the two takes of the set's highlight,
Jackson's "Lillie." Here the vibraphonist effortlessly weaves 16th notes across the ballad's accompaniment by his future
MJQ partners. As always, it's not
Jackson's speed that impresses, it's his taste, musicianship, and artistry. ~ Jim Todd