The Modern Jazz Quartet

The Modern Jazz Quartet (also known as the MJQ) was a jazz ensemble that was active from 1952 to 1974. The group was formed by pianist John Lewis, bassist Percy Heath, drummer Kenny Clarke, and vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and they were known for their sophisticated, harmonically complex music and their tight ensemble playing.

The Modern Jazz Quartet was one of the first jazz groups to incorporate elements of classical music into their sound, and they were known for their emphasis on melody, structure, and form. They released numerous albums over the course of their career, and their music was widely celebrated and influential.

The Modern Jazz Quartet disbanded in 1974, but they reformed several times in the following years, and their music continues to be remembered and celebrated by jazz fans around the world. The group was inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1992, and they were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.