The Modern Jazz Quartet: Deep Cuts

The MJQ are known for their elegantly complex playing, but the jazz group also excel at creating abstract textures and atmospheres. “Conversation” finds Milt Jackson's hard-bop vibes turn sparse, as strings lay down a rich, chamber-music mood, and “All of You” slips into a bluesy swing while leaving plenty of space for the piano's minimal chords. The playful “Sun Dance” is anchored by percussion with a hypnotic rattle that leaps from the song.