Fortieth Anniversary Celebration
While one might expect the MJQ's 40th anniversary to inspire another trip through their distinguished repertoire, this disc presents them in one of their other roles, as one of the greatest supporting casts in jazz history. The guests range from swing-era giants (Harry "Sweets" EdisonandIllinois Jacquet) to veteran boppers (Phil WoodsandJimmy Heath) to postboppers (Freddie Hubbard) and neoboppers (WyntonandBranford Marsalis). What ties it all together is the superb foundation created by the MJQ. The group combines a gentle ambience with a deft, rhythmic precision, whatever the generation of the guests, developing a timeless, almost ethereal quality.Milt Jacksonsounds especially inspired on his signature "Bag's Groove," given a fresh setting byBobby McFerrinand the Take 6 vocal group. --Stuart Broomer