John Lewis (1920-2001). Best known as the pianist and musical director of the Modern Jazz Quartet for some 40 years, John Lewis was also a prolific composer. His output included ballets, film scores and works for symphony orchestra. He was also a great innovator in the field of jazz education. Geoffrey Smith presents the first of a four-part profile of this most erudite musician in which he talks to Lewis about his upbringing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and about his early work with Charlie Parker , Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.