Modern Jazz Quartet Music Group

The Modern Jazz Quartet takes the stage like a string quartet preparing to perform a cycle of Beethoven works. Dressed in dark, conservative suits or tuxedos, the four veteran players approach their instruments--piano, vibes, bass and drums--with the style and decorum, the calm, professional assuredness of classical virtuosi. The music begins, quietly at first, then urged forward by a subtle, driving swing that is simple, understated and irresistibly rhythmic.

The Modern Jazz Quartet takes the stage like a string quartet preparing to perform a cycle of Beethoven works. Dressed in dark, conservative suits or tuxedos, the four veteran players approach their instruments--piano, vibes, bass and drums--with the style and decorum, the calm, professional assuredness of classical virtuosi. The music begins, quietly at first, then urged forward by a subtle, driving swing that is simple, understated and irresistibly rhythmic.

It seems an unlikely pairing: the jazz combo that, in the '50s, began donning tuxedos to bring music into the concert halls, and the string quartet that, sans formal wear, went beyond the usual classical repertoire to perform jazz, ethnic and experimental compositions, even rock 'n' roll. But members of the Modern Jazz Quartet and the 12-year-old Kronos Quartet don't see it that way.

It seems an unlikely pairing: the jazz combo that, in the '50s, began donning tuxedos to bring music into the concert halls, and the string quartet that, sans formal wear, went beyond the usual classical repertoire to perform jazz, ethnic and experimental compositions, even rock 'n' roll. But members of the Modern Jazz Quartet and the 12-year-old Kronos Quartet don't see it that way.

It seems an unlikely pairing: the jazz combo that, in the '50s, began donning tuxedos to bring their music into the concert halls, and the string quartet that, sans formal wear, went beyond the usual classical repertoire to perform jazz, ethnic and experimental compositions, even rock 'n' roll. But members of the Modern Jazz Quartet and the 12-year-old Kronos Quartet don't see it that way.

It seems an unlikely pairing: the jazz combo that, in the '50s, began donning tuxedos to bring their music into the concert halls, and the string quartet that, sans formal wear, went beyond the usual classical repertoire to perform jazz, ethnic and experimental compositions, even rock 'n' roll. But members of the Modern Jazz Quartet and the 12-year-old Kronos Quartet don't see it that way.