JAZZ SPOTLIGHT : MODERN JAZZ QUARTET & FRIENDS (*** 1/2) : “A Celebration” / <i> Atlantic</i>

The “Friends” listed in the billing are various sax or trumpet soloists sitting in with the MJQ--John Lewis, piano; Milt Jackson, vibes; Percy Heath, bass; newcomer Mickey Roker, drums (replacing longtime drummer Connie Kay, who retired for health reasons a few years ago). Additionally, there are two cuts with singer Bobby McFerrin, including one on which he is joined by the a cappella vocal sextet Take 6.

It is agreeable, if less than startling, to hear the quartet surrounded by so many jazz eminences. The overall mood is low-key, with a couple of exceptions, including the upbeat passages of John Lewis’ “Django,” which is one of two powerful appearances by altoist Phil Woods (the other is “All the Things You Are”).

The tenor sax ballads are well-suited to Illinois Jacquet (“Memories of You”), Branford Marsalis (“Easy Living”) and Nino Tempo--”Darn That Dream,” taped live at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Among the trumpets, Wynton Marsalis’ muted contributions to “Cherokee” and “Willow Weep for Me” come off best; Freddie Hubbard and Harry “Sweets” Edison have little of import to say.

The MJQ itself, though a little stiff occasionally as a group, has its moments with Lewis’ less-is-more piano, and Jackson reminding us that Bags’ groove is as solid as ever.

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