The Modern Jazz Quartet wasn't big on stage excitement. The chamber-jazz ensemble tended to be subtle and hushed, more introspective than explosive. But the more carefully you listen to them, the more you'll hear the tender swing and beauty of pianist John Lewis, vibist Milt Jackson, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Connie Kay. [Photo above of the Modern Jazz Quartet at Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands in 1961]
Here's the MJQ in London in April 1964...
And here's the MJQ abroad in the 1960s, thanks to Milan Simich. I can't confirm that this is 1961 or Japan, given that it opens with a credit panel of German television. But it's a joyous clip of the MJQ at the top of their game..
