The Quartet* – The Quartet

From sessions dating between August 1951 and April 1952, this is essentially the birth of the MJQ. The rhythm section for each of the three sessions varies slightly, but Jackson and John Lewis are present on every song, and the interplay between the two is already a thing to behold. This 1977 Arista/Savoy reissue includes all twelve tracks from the original QUARTET LP in glorious mono, with a new title, new cover art, and lengthy, detailed liner notes by Bob Blumenthal. My copy plays like new, with no noticeable surface noise.

Here are my thoughts on the album "Quartet" MJQ: https://open.substack.com/pub/tosh/p/the-quartet-milt-jackson-john-lewis?r=352m9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

Excellent, detailed digital transfer reveals all of the sonic info good and bad.

Many of the SAVOY-12"-LP-releases from 1956 on, have been tampered with echo by Rudy Van Gelder. To be on the safe side, it's recommended to look for the earlier 10"-releases (which are of course rare, and therefore quite expensive), or the parallel European releases on Vogue or Esquire. There are also quite enjoyable 7"-EPs around.

This is a nice alternative from 1955, pre-RVG, so to speak:

https://discogs.cinepelis.org/Milt-Jackson-Quartet-Milt-Jackson/master/838945

Another similar version with yellow title exist, but with additionnal small text on left front along white frame, and without "A Hi-Fi Recording" on labels. Seen on Popsike but not yet on Discogs.

This reissue was my introduction into these players, and at first this disk was a bit to intense,..for lack of better words. Since however, it has grown on me and I have begun to really understand and appreciate how great they are, and I really dig their live releases. This reissue sounds solid, great pressing but no extras for sure...simple is best here as it is about the music.