Little David's Fugue - The Modern Jazz Ensemble

Little David's Fugue
The Modern Jazz Ensemble
Composed by John Lewis
Arranged and Orchestrated by John Lewis and Gunther Schuller
A&R Research and Coordination: Jack Maher
Director of Engineering: Val Valentin
Cover Art: Jon Henry
Art Direction: Ace Lehman
Design: Don Saffer/Bob Nastasi
VSP Verve VSP-18
1966

Available from online vendors so I will not be posting a sample. Presented here to share the cover art and jacket information.

From the back cover: Recording information: Recorded March 14, 1955 in N.Y.C. The historic performance in this album have not been available since their original release in 1955. All the music was written by John Lewis and Gunther Schuller. Two distinct groups recorded these historic tracks – Group #1 composed of J. J. Johnson, trombone; J. Politis, flute; Lucky Thompson, tenor sax; Aaron Sachs, clarinet; M. Zegler, bassoon; Gunther Schuller, French horn; J. Putnam, harp; Percy Heath, bass; Connie Kay, drums, plays: Little David's Fugue, Django and Sun Dance.

Group #2, composed of Stan Getz, tenor sax; J. J. Johnson, trombone; J. Politis, flute; Tony Scott, clarinet; M. Zegler, bassoon; Gunther Schuller, French horn; J. Putnam, harp; Percy Heath, bass; Connie Kay, drums, plays: The Queen's Fancy and Midsommer.

Also from the back cover: Little David's Fugue is a fugue. The expositions are written while the episodes are improvised on a predetermined chord structure; the accompanying instruments participate in the development of intervallic and rhythmic elements of the subject. Django is an arrangement and orchestration by Mr. Schuller. The piece is a memoriam for and is dedicated to the late great French Guitarist Django Reinhardt. The Queen's Fancy was written during the weeks of the coronation of H. M. Queen Elizabeth II of England. This piece was also arranged and orchestrated by Gunther Schuller, Midsommer is an adagio in a general first rondo form, the chord structure of the second theme being used for improvisations. The title and inspiration is from the Swedish summer holiday and festival. Sun Dance was inspired by dancers, namely the Hopis of New Mexico and the great Watusi dancers in the film entitled "King Solomon's Mines." – John Lewis

Side One

Little David's Fugue - Solos: J. J. Johnson, Lucky Thompson and Aaron Sachs

Django - Solos: J. Putman, Aaron Sachs, Lucky Thompson and J. J. Johnson

Side Two

The Queen's Fancy - Solos: J. J. Johnson and Stan Getz

Midsommer - Solos: Tony Scott, Stan Getz, J. J. Johnson, Getz & Johnson & Scott
Sun Dance - Solos: Lucky Thompson and Aaron Sachs (Originally produced under the personal supervision of John Lewis