Tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet featuring Vibraphonist Jon Metzger

Vibraphonist Milt “Bags” Jackson and pianist John Lewis were not cut from the same cloth. Steeped in the blues, Jackson was a heavy swinger and thrived as an improviser. Lewis was a trained musician with a master’s degree who had aspirations of combining jazz and classical. Together with bassist Percy Heath and drummer Connie Kay as the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ), they created a chamber jazz style that highlighted the lyrical tension between Lewis’s mannered, but roomy, compositions and Jackson’s unapologetic swing.

Long known for their complex and iconic compositions and arrangements, the vast majority of the MJQ’s arrangements have never been published, consequently most of their music has never been heard live outside of their own performances. Working over the course of several months, Noel Freidline transcribed a full program of the MJQ’s music, including classics such as “Concorde,” “Vendome,” “Softly As In a Morning Sunrise,” and “Summertime.”  

Join Noel Freidline as he introduces vibraphonist extraordinaire Jon Metzger in his CMA Jazz on Main debut as they bring to life the music of the Modern Jazz Quartet. 

About Noel Freidline

Pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger and educator, Noel Freidline has led his own band since 1992. He has recorded seven CDs with his group and has also composed and recorded music for ESPN, ABC and Disney. Noel is currently a Lecturer in Music at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and in 2012 began an artist in residency at Davidson Day School (Davidson, NC) creating a one-of-a-kind contemporary music program. He is also the director of the Lake Norman Big Band (Mooresville, NC) and the artistic director of the new Center City 6th & Tryon Jazz Series in Charlotte, NC.