by Scott Yanow
If proof were needed that The Modern Jazz Quartet was back together permanently after a seven-year hiatus (1974-81), it is this CD for the six selections were all fairly new (as opposed to more runthroughs of their earlier hits). Pianist John Lewis contributed three compositions (including the appealing &That Slavic Smile& and &Sacha's March&), vibraphonist Milt Jackson wrote two and bassist Percy Heath brought in his lighthearted &Watergate Blues.& With drummer Connie Kay as usual rounding out the group, The MJQ's return was one of the happiest events in jazz of the 1980s.