Album of the Day

Among the most revered groups in jazz, the Modern Jazz Quartet turned to an even more venerated musical figure for this 1974 Atlantic album: Johann Sebastian Bach. The concept behind BLUES ON BACH was to alternate performances based on the classical composer’s work with new blues songs penned by the band (in keys to spell out the name Bach). Given the MJQ’s affinity for the classics, the combination of 18th and 20th century music is a remarkably effective one, with harpsichord and vibes carrying the melodies superbly. BLUES ON BACH was recently released on Quadio, and the quartet of Milt Jackson, John Lewis, Percy Heath and Connie Kay is a perfect fit for quadraphonic sound.