CONCORDE (VINYL)

2014 special vinyl LP pressing reissue series title commemorating the 65th anniversary of Prestige Records and the 90th birthday of legendary recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder. The very first long-playing record ever recorded by The Modern Jazz Quartet, Concorde (1955) provides a vehicle for stunningly refined playing by legendary vibraphonist Milt Jackson, pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, & drummer Connie Kay in his maiden voyage behind the kit with the MJQ. The centerpiece of the session is undoubtedly the "Gershwin Medley," which features interpretations of "Soon," "For You, for Me Forevermore," "Love Walked In" and "Our Love Is Here to Stay" that are nothing short of definitive. This landmark album, recorded by the inimitable Rudy Van Gelder, captures the cool, thoughtful sound of The Modern Jazz Quartet at their best and is an absolute MUST-HAVE on vinyl for all manner of jazz listeners.