MJ New
Listen to MJ New
Led by jazz pianist Darrell Grant, MJ New is a virtuoso quartet inspired by the introspective elegance and sophisticated soundscape of the Modern Jazz Quartet.
Rooted in the cultural diversity of the 1920's Harlem Renaissance, for more than 40 years the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) served as the embodiment of classic jazz cool. With all the savoir faire of a martini—shaken not stirred—the MJQ deftly melded Bach fugues, American song, mid-century modernism, and the blues into a sound unlike any other. Following the lead of these masters, MJ New’s blend of classical and jazz pays homage to the legendary MJQ and imagines a distinctly new sound.
Performers
Darrell Grant, piano
Marcus Shelby, bassist
Mike Horsfall, vibraphonist
Cecil Brooks III, drummer
MJ New’s quartet includes Bay Area-based bassist/composer Marcus Shelby, Portland vibraphonist Mike Horsfall, and since the untimely passing of founding drummer Carlton Jackson, the drum chair has been filled by Cecil Brooks III. The group made its debut at a 2013 tribute to the MJQ presented by PDX Jazz.
about the music
MJ New draws on bebop, classical counterpoint, and Black vernacular traditions like gospel and blues to create a sophisticated chamber jazz sound. Featuring inventive arrangements of jazz standards, reimaginings of chamber music by Mary Lou Williams, Franz Schubert, and Terence Blanchard, and their own originals. Their debut album, Our Mr. Jackson, celebrates both the historical and contemporary from Harlem to Brazil.
“Committed, creative, improvisational, inspired.”
“Bach to Jobim, Chopin to Sting.”
This project is available for booking. Please contact Kim Gumbel for information.
“Reinventing tradition and celebrating collaboration, the MJ New Quartet is intent on stretching boundaries in search of a new 21st century chamber music. ”
