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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 16. 12th July 1973

"The Legendary Profile":

"The Legendary Profile":

It has been some time since we were able to sample a new MJQ performance on record and it is indeed a pleasure to welcome them again. The word "legendary" in the title possibly describes the standing of the MJQ when in the 1950's it was one of several groups trying to explore the relationship between jazz and classical music. But this group, with its limited dynamic range and tonal colouration, will especially be remembered for its subtle use of fugues and other forms of 17th and 18th century music, an approach which sometimes sounds as a pastiche of the old masters. It is however due to the personal style of counterpoint generated by pianist John Lewis and the artful, swinging improvisations of Milt Jackson on vibraharp that have given MJQ its character, not that we would in any way want to diminish the achievements of the other two members, Percy Heath on bass and Connie Kay on drums. The numbers played on this recording are mainly MJQ compositions in which the group's spirit is recreated in the same self-restrained and soft-toned manner we have been accustomed to in most of their performances.