The Comedy

by The Modern Jazz Quartet

Overview

This is the type of album that led many bop purists to criticize the Modern Jazz Quartet (and John Lewis in particular) for being overly influenced by Western classical music. This album has seven of Lewis' compositions, episodic works arranged in a suite that portrays characters from a fictional Italian comedy based in the 1500s. Singer Diahann Carroll guests fairly effectively on "La Cantatrice." Despite being tied to a story, there are some strong improvisations from pianist Lewis and vibraphonist Milt Jackson on this unusual material. The release is not that essential but it is quite interesting. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	10/25/1990
Label:	Atlantic
UPC:	0075678195228
Rank:	129321

Tracks

1. Spanish Steps
2. Columbine
3. Pulcinella
4. Pierrot
5. Cantatrice
6. Harlequin
7. Piazza Navona

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Modern Jazz Quartet   Primary Artist
John Lewis   Primary Artist,Piano
Diahann Carroll   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Vocals
Percy Heath   Bass
Milt Jackson   Vibraphone
Connie Kay   Drums

Technical Credits

Nesuhi Ertegun   Producer
John Lewis   Composer
Gary Kramer   Liner Notes
Tom Dowd   Engineer
Judy Spencer   Composer
Diahann Carroll   Performer
Loring Eutemey   Cover Design
Deuter   Composer