Fontessa
Fontessa is the Modern Jazz Quartet’s 1956 Atlantic debut: their first formal guest collaboration (with Jimmy Giuffre), their first album after moving from Prestige, and their first recording following their 1956 European debut tour. The 11-minute title suite was composed by John Lewis and inspired by Commedia dell’arte, with its four characters illustrated on the cover. Lewis described it as a suite whose sketchy plot invites improvisation. The Prelude opens and closes the work. Harlequin is evoked by vibraphone improvisation in older jazz style. Pierrot appears in piano-led 'less older jazz'. Pantaloon emerges in drum-led 'still later jazz', developing the main motif. Colombine is represented by the recurring three-note 'Fontessa' motif. The mono version was issued in the USA on Atlantic’s black label, catalogue number 1231. The stereo release contained technical flaws: mains hum, tape hiss, and reduced bass level.