Modern Jazz Quartet

Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ)

U.S. jazz ensemble. It was founded in 1951 by pianist John Lewis (1920–2001), vibraphonist Milt Jackson (1923–99), drummer Kenny Clarke (1914–85), and bassist Ray Brown (1926–2002). They originally worked together as the rhythm section for Dizzy Gillespie's big band in 1946. The quartet established a reserved and subtle approach to the modern jazz innovations of the mid-1940s, incorporating elements of classical chamber music with original compositions and jazz standards. Percy Heath (1923–2005) replaced Brown in 1952, and Connie Kay (1927–94) replaced Clarke in 1955. The group disbanded in 1974 but reunited for annual tours beginning in the 1980s. Upon Kay's death, Percy's brother Albert (“Tootie”) Heath (b. 1935) joined the group.