Noel Freidline

Vibraphonist Milt “Bags” Jackson and pianist John Lewis were not cut from the same cloth. Steeped in the blues, Jackson was a heavy swinger and thrived as an improviser. Lewis was a trained musician with a masters degree, who had aspirations of combining jazz and classical. Together with bassist Percy Heath and drummer Connie Kay, as the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) they created a chamber jazz style that highlighted the lyrical tension between Lewis's mannered, but roomy, compositions and Jackson's unapologetic swing.

Long known for their complex and iconic compositions and arrangements, the vast majority of the MJQ’s arrangements have never been published, consequently most of their music has never been heard live outside of their own performances. Working over the course of several months Noel Freidline transcribed a full program of the MJQ’s music, including classics such as “Concorde,” “Vendome,” “Softly As In a Morning Sunrise” and “Summertime.”

Join Noel Freidline as he introduces vibraphonist extraordinaire Jon Metzger as they bring to life the music of the Modern Jazz Quartet. For more info on Jon Metzger - www.jonmetzger.com