Improvised Meditations & Excursions
1959
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Recording Info
The original tracks (1-7) were recorded in New York on May 7 (#4-7) & May 8 (#1-3), 1959. The recording sessions involved different bass players: George Duvivier on some tracks and Percy Heath on others, with Connie Kay on drums. Bonus tracks were recorded at different times and locations.
Track Highlights
- Now's the Time (Charlie Parker)
- Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Jerome Kern)
- Delaunay's Dilemma — Original composition by John Lewis
- Love Me — Original composition by John Lewis
- Yesterdays (Jerome Kern)
- How Long Has This Been Going On (George Gershwin)
- September Song (Kurt Weill)
Personnel
- John Lewis (Piano, Composer)
- George Duvivier (Bass)
- Percy Heath (Bass)
- Connie Kay (Drums)
- Chico Hamilton (Drums)
- Jim Hall (Guitar)
Significance
The album is significant for showcasing John Lewis's piano playing outside of the Modern Jazz Quartet context, highlighting his versatility and blues sensibility. It demonstrates his ability to blend classical influences with jazz improvisation, creating a refined chamber style of jazz. The interplay between structure and improvisation is a key element, reflecting Lewis's reverence for both discipline and freedom.
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