These are the early days of the quartet but it had begun with a standard of excellence, forged by youthful but experienced musicians with a framework that allowed them to exhibit their teamwork and virtuosity.

The group's original drummer Kenny Clarke plays timpani on "The Queen's Fancy" and works out on his traps in "La Ronde Suite" which, when Lewis first wrote it in the Dizzy Gillespie orchestra, was called "Two Bass Hit." (Fantasy, Inc.)

Modern Jazz Quartet (formed 1952), with recordings from 1953-55, comprising Milt Jackson (vibes), John Lewis (piano), Percy Heath (bass), and Kenny Clarke (drums). Pieces like "La Ronde," "One Bass Hit," and "Milano" are solo features, but the policy is essentially co-operative, integrating individual voices into a strong ensemble unit. MJQ material often shows symmetry and formal design---best seen in title-piece "Django," a moving, elegaic tribute to guitarist Django Reinhardt and one of the finest compositions in jazz. The first---and best---MJQ here, true to its original conception. "Django" alone should be on everyone's desert island list. Such beauty and coherence, yes. (Andrew Clark, Editor, Riffs & Choruses: A New Jazz Anthology. Continuum Publishers.)