Appreciation …

… At His Centennial, a Jazz Pioneer Still Rings True - WSJ. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)

With grace and steely determination, Lewis demanded that the Modern Jazz Quartet denote dignity and command respect with its music and presentation. He insisted that the foursome dress in matching suits, even practice walking on stage. The epitome of professionalism, purpose and preparation, he wrote intricate scores requiring assiduous practice. His interweaving of written-out parts with improvisation was so seamless that many—even other musicians—couldn’t differentiate the two. He strove for an optimal balance among the four instruments, yielding clean, exquisite textures.

Dave also sends along this:

… O Concerto de Aranjuez e "O Som de Rodrigo" - Laurindo Almeida e The Modern Jazz Quartet.

That is extraordinary.