Zbigniew Namyslowski Modern Jazz Quartet: 'Lola,' 1964

This ensemble was the first Polish jazz group to record outside Communist-controlled Europe

It turns out there were two Modern Jazz Quartets. The first was the one we know well and have long loved. It was formed in 1952 and featured pianist John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Kenny Clarke, who was replaced by Connie Kay in 1955. They played what became known as chamber jazz—a refined style with group interplay typically found in classical music.