John Lewis - Early Years: Before The Mjq 1946-52John Lewis was a jazz pianist best known for his work as founder member and musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet, famous for blending elements of classical music with individual and ensemble improvisation in a refined chamber style of jazz. The music of the MJQ was in many ways the culmination of the development of Lewis' musical ideas during the five years and more of his professional career before that quartet came together, as he worked with

'56 and '57

featuring his own songs

Features cello from Lia Kohl (Whitney

Celebrate the sound of a sensational six-string pioneer and dare to 'Dance With The Guitar Man'

but there were many of equal quality and interest that we could not include

these were the first symphonic performances after months

influenced by Cajun music

recorded for

"The Rhythm Section"

Of all the pianists in the annals of jazz

new aspects are being discovered every day

In this concert with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra