JAZCLASS : About JOHN LEWIS (p.1) - Jazz pianist, composer, Modern Jazz Quartet band leader

About John Lewis & the MJQ - Compositions - Discography (p.2) - Bibliography (p.2)

Related website on the History of Modern Jazz Birdhop

Courses Online - Scales & Chords - Play-alongs - MP3s - My Blog - Jazclass Products - Shop - Other

JL 1 - John Lewis and the Modern Jazz Quartet

John Aaron Lewis was born in La Grange (Ill.) in March 1920 and sadly passed away recently in March 2001. He grew up in Albuquerque (N.Mex.), and started playing the piano when he was seven. Lewis studied anthropology and music at the University of New Mexico until 1942 when he joined the Army. In the Army he befriended Kenny Clarke, a prominent Bebop drummer.

After the war, in 1946, Clarke introduced Lewis into the Dizzy Gillespie Band as arranger and pianist. Lewis also started at the Manhattan School of Music. He included voice lessons in his curriculum and completed two degrees , developing a special interest in Renaissance and Baroc music (counterpoint).

Through Clarke, Lewis joined the nine piece Miles Davis Capitol recording group in 1949.

The Rhythm section of this group (and earlier already part of the Dizzy Gillespie band) became the nucleus from which in 1952 the Modern Jazz Quartet was formed.

The Modern Jazz Quartet consisted of : John Lewis, piano - Milt Jackson, vibraphone - Percy Heath, bass - Kenny Clarke, drums. In 1955 Clarke was replaced by the quieter and more appropriate drummer Connie Kay.

Initially known as the Milt Jackson Quartet, John Lewis soon took over as musical director of the group and the name was changed to the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ).
The group played together for 22 years (until 1974), and is arguably the most successsful ensemble in the history of Jazz.
MJQ has been the main, though by no means only, vehicle for John Lewis' compositions and arrangements.
In Jazz his compositions are unique, as they commonly combine the element of Classical form with the Traditional Jazz element (largely lost in modern Jazz) of collective improvisation. The fugue is Lewis' favourite form. He uses it very effectively to integrate written lines with single and collective improvisations.

Pastels on acrylics by Michael

Leonard Feather wrote in the 'Encyclopaedia of Jazz' :

"John Lewis is regarded as one of the most brilliant minds ever applied to Jazz. Completely self-sufficient and self-confident, he knows exactly what he wants from his musicians, his writing and his career, and achieves it with an unusual, quiet firmness, coupled with modesty and a complete indifference to critical reaction. Though many of his more ambitious orchestral works have only a peripheral relationship to Jazz, he believes that the Jazz elements in his background have contributed to everything he has done."

As an instrumental soloist, Lewis has been described as :
" a unique and invariably moving Jazz pianist. His touch is sure and delicate, his ideas are disarmingly simple and honest. He has a rhythmic sense and enough technique to allow him easy freedom."

In the 50's and 60's the MJQ played a major role in making Jazz 'respectable' to many 'serious music' listeners in Europe. In the winter of 1957 alone the MJQ played 88 concerts in four months in Europe and England.

My personal interest in the MJQ commenced in the 1950's when, as a young teenager in Holland, I bought my very first Jazz LP : Fontessa. I have been hooked on the Modern Jazz Quartet ever since.

John Lewis once described his music as 'economical and transparent'.
This aspect of his music perhaps appeals to me most, for it parallels the two criteria I strive for myself when communicating ideas and concepts : keep it simple and crystal clear.
The stark contrast between Lewis' incisive skeletal solos and Jackson's brilliantly weaving beautiful sound tapestries is a key ingredient to their long lasting success.

John Lewis recording at the Broadcast Studios in Geneva on July 5th-6th, 1972
(Photo courtesy of Jean-Jacques Becciolini, Zürich)

(Down - Up - Top - Jazclass Links)

JL 2 - Compositions

The principal publisher for all John Lewis Compositions is : MJQ Publishing, New York.

MJQ refers to the Modern Jazz Quartet : John Lewis piano - Milt Jackson vibraharp - Percy Heath bass - Kennie Clarke, and after 1955, Connie Kay on drums.

1945 - John Lewis joins the Gillespie Band.

Toccata, 1947, for trumpet and Jazz Orchestra. Premiere Carnegy Hall.

Minor Walk, 1947, Jazz Orchestra.

Two Bass Hit, 1947 for the Gillespie orchestra

Period Suite, 1948, Jazz Orchestra Premiere

1948 - Joins Tony Proteau's Band in Paris for 2 months. Joins I. Jacquet Band in November for 8 months. Played and recorded with Lester Young and Charlie Parker.

(Down - Up - Top)

1949 - 1950 - Joins Miles Davis 9 piece Capitol Band.

Rouge, 1949 , Jazz Orchestra. Recorded by Davis Capitol Band.

S'il vous plait, 1949 . Written for a 4th album of the Miles Davis Capitol Orchestra that never eventuated (only private recording).

Afternoon in Paris , 1949. Contrapuntal Jazz quintet. For J.J.Johnson (tbn)

Elysses , 1949. Jazz quintet (for J.J.Johnson)

1952 - The Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) is formed.