John Lewis - The Complete Albums Collection: 1957 - 1962 (2017)

Pianist and composer John Lewis, best known as a founding member of the Modern Jazz Quartet, is among the most compelling performers and arrangers of the jazz/classical crossover genre. Astute yet humble, his compositional and playing methods developed by favouring minimalism, control and emotion over the more intense and brash styles adopted by the core of players during the bebop era. Greatly influenced by the likes of Count Basie, Lester Young and Duke Ellington, his years of classical training led him to take a more direct approach to his instrument, selecting each note and phrase with deliberation while opposing the wilder improvisational techniques of the day. This collection, containing over five hours of music across four discs, collates the very best of John Lewis early solo career, and in so doing highlights the finest work of a truly exceptional composer and pianist. Featuring eight original, remastered Lewis albums in their entirely, this set is a masterclass in composition and musicianship from a man who bravely defied the boundaries of genre and laid the foundation for scores of writers and arrangers who followed his lead.