MODERN JAZZ QUARTET.

Description

Simple Insurance Hall, Gotanda + Shiba Postal Savings Hall, Tokyo Sept/Oct 1983 concert poster

Original first printing concert poster advertising American jazz combo the Modern Jazz Quartet at the Simple Insurance Hall in Gotanda on Wednesday, 14th September and the Shiba Postal Savings Hall in Tokyo on Friday, 16th September and Monday, 3rd October, 1983, presented by All Art Promotion. Established in 1952, the Modern Jazz Quartet performed over a 40-year span. For the majority of their career, the group was composed of John Lewis (piano and musical director), Milt Jackson (vibraphone), Percy Heath (double bass) and Connie Kay (drums). Under Lewis’ leadership, they carved their own niche by specializing in elegant, restrained music that used sophisticated counterpoint, yet nonetheless retained a strong blues feel. Noted for their elegant presentation, they were one of the first small jazz combos to perform in concert halls rather than nightclubs. Lewis firmly believed that J.S. Bach and the blues were compatible, combining classical form with jazz improvisation and polyphony. When vibraphonist Milt Jackson departed from the group in 1974 due to creative disagreement and frustration with their busy touring schedule, the MJQ ceased to play until the early 1980s when they began reuniting periodically. They released their final recording in 1993. When drummer Connie Kay died in November 1994 the group stopped reuniting; five years later in October 1999 Milt Jackson died, followed by pianist John Lewis in March 2001 and bassist Percy Heath in April 2005.

The poster measures 51.3 x 72.7 cm (approx. 20.2″ x 28.6″ inches) and is beautifully printed in blue and black inks on thin, coated paper stock. In excellent unfolded condition. Feel free to email us with any questions you may have concerning this item. Additional images of the poster available on request.