Thad JONES & Mel LEWIS Jazz Orchestra - Central Park North 1969

Thad JONES & Mel LEWIS Jazz Orchestra - Central Park North  1969
SS-18058

Jazz

One of the most popular big bands of the 1950s and '60s, this jazz orchestra, dually led by drummer Mel Lewis and trumpeter Thad Jones, made excellent, driving music that incorporated classic swing, hard bop, and the funky, percolating rhythms of soul-jazz in a large-ensemble context. Long out of print and finally reissued in 2004, 1969's CENTRAL PARK NORTH reveals the band in its prime.

Distinguished by Jones's strong compositions ("Tow Away Zone" and the multi-part, Ellingtonian title track are standouts), the record features many fine sidemen, including bassist Richard Davis, pianist Roland Hanna, trumpeter Jimmy Nottingham, and saxophonist Jerome Richardson. Lewis's drumming pushes the proceedings in all modes, driving the band along nicely on Nat Adderley's "Jive Samba," in particular.
**
One doesn't automatically think of big bands when remembering late-'60s jazz, though big bands like the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra continued to make stimulating recordings. Central Park North, recorded and released in 1969, testifies that one could be a big band and progressive at the same time. Flügelhornist Jones and percussionist Lewis are joined by a large cast of players, including tenor Joe Farrell, trumpeter Jimmy Knepper, and pianist Roland Hanna. The music runs the gauntlet from funky soul-jazz to more gentle traditional work, sometimes within the same piece. Jones' "Tow Away Zone" begins like a rather typical late-'60s composition (horns and organ with a soulful groove), but as the individual players cut loose with excellent solo work — built within a multi-layered arrangement — the piece takes on a character of its own. "Quietude" moves in the opposite direction, living up to its title by keeping things low-key, while "Jazz Samba" is a nine-minute romp with some great piccolo work. The swinging "Big Dipper" and ambitious title cut bring Central Park North to a satisfying close. The album, at 37 minutes, will seem a bit short by post-millennium standards, but the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra makes every minute count. The 2004 reissue will be a welcomed by fans of adventurous big band music.
By Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.
**
Thad Jones- Flugelhorn
Mel Lewis - Drums
Eddie Daniels- Clarinet, Tenor Sax
Joe Farrell- Clarinet, Tenor,Soprano Sax
Jerome Richardson- Clarinet, Piccolo, Soprano Alto Sax
Joe Temperley- Bass Clarinet, Baritone Sax
Daniel Moore- Trumpet
Jimmy Nottingham- Trumpet
Richard Gene Williams- Trumpet
Snooky Young- Trumpet
Benny Powell- Trombone
Eddie Bert- Trombone
Jimmy Knepper- Trombone
Cliff Heather- Bass Trombone
Sir Roland Hanna- Piano
Sam Leigh Brown- Guitar
Barry Galbraith- Guitar
Sam Herman- Guitar
Richard Anthony Davis- Bass 
**
A1. Tow Away Zone   4:25
A2. Quietude   4:03
A3. Jive Samba   8:50
B1. Groove Merchant   5:04
B2. Big Dipper   5:52
B3. Central Park North  9:14
**

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Thad JONES & Mel LEWIS Jazz Orchestra - Monday Night (Live) 1968

Thad JONES & Mel LEWIS Jazz Orchestra - Monday Night (Live)  1968
1969 Issue. UAS 29016
Recorded at The Village Vanguard, New York on October 1968

Jazz

For over three decades the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been committed to engaging audiences in jazz and related American music experiences. The orchestra serves as a creative outlet for some of the nation's foremost performers, composers, and arrangers. One of the driving forces behind the longevity and artistic excellence of this ensemble is a commitment to the original Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra precepts of sound and the nurturing and encouragement of creativity and experimentation in the creators, performers and listeners of jazz.
**
The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra was one of the most significant big bands of the late '60s, a most unpromising era for larger jazz orchestras. This live session from the band's regular Monday night gig at the Village Vanguard has strong solos from altoist Jerry Dodgion, Eddie Daniels and Seldon Powell on tenors, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, a bit of plunger trumpet from Jimmy Nottingham, pianist Roland Hanna and trumpeter Richard Williams in addition to Thad Jones himself. Most impressive is Bob Brookmeyer's adventurous arrangement of "St. Louis Blues." The contents of this out-of-print LP have been included in the Mosaic box set The Complete Solid State Thad Jones/Mel Lewis.
By Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
**
Thad Jones– Flugelhorn
Roland Hanna– Piano
Richard Davis– Bass
Jerome Richardson– alto Sax
Jerry Dodgion– alto Sax
Seldon Powell– Tenor sax
Eddie Daniels– Tenor Sax
Pepper Adams– Baritone sax
Richard Williams– Trumpet
Snooky Young– Trumpet
Danny Moore– Trumpet
Jimmy Nottingham– Trumpet
Jimmy Knepper– Trombone
Garnett Brown– Trombone
Jimmy Cleveland– Trombone
Cliff Heather– Trombone
Mel Lewis– Drums
**

A1. Mornin' Reverend   4:40
A2. Kids are Pretty People   5:55
A3. St. Louis Blues   12:29
B1. The Waltz You "Swang" for Me   5:15
B2. Say it Softly   6:35
B3. The Second Race   7:05
**
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Thad JONES, Mel LEWIS - Consummation 1970

Thad JONES, Mel LEWIS - Consummation 1970
BST-84346

Jazz

One of the greatest records ever cut by the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra way way more than a big band jazz session, and a fantastically hip batch of grooves that encompasses a wealth of styles! The Jones/Lewis group could sometimes sound a bit clunky and overhashed but on this set, they've got a surprisingly lyrical approach free-thinking and easily grooving, but with room for complicated solos and complex rhythms. All tracks are originals by Thad Jones and players include Roland Hanna on electric piano, David Spinozza on guitar, and a host of great talents on reeds and brass. Titles include the sweetly funky cuts "Us" and "Ahunk Ahunk", plus the tracks "Dedication", "Consummation", "Tiptoe", and "Fingers".
From Dusty Groove.
**
The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis big band was the harmonic and natural successor to the Count Basie band. With some of the best players of their era, its members included Joe Farrell, Jerome Richardson, Dee Dee Bridgewater (who often sang because her husband played sax in the band), Pepper Adams, Snooky Young...need I continue? Yes! How about Sir Roland Hanna, one of the great piano player/composers? I consider this album one of the best and most overlooked jazz albums of all time. As a sax player, all I can say is if you like big band jazz or Count Basie, you will love this album. It is a musicians' and audience favorite.
PS-One of the most beautiful jazz ballads ever written and covered by many jazz players is on this album: A Child Is Born.
**
Of the many albums recorded by the Thad JonesMel Lewis Orchestra, this was the greatest. This set introduced Jones' best-known composition, A Child Is Born, and also has a colorful rendition of his sly Tiptoe, and finds the big band ripping the roof off during the lengthy and very exciting Fingers. The all-star cast (which includes flugelhornist Jones, drummer Lewis, trumpeter Marvin Stamm, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, tenor great Billy Harper, the reeds of Jerome Richardson, Jerry Dodgion and Eddie Daniels, keyboardist Roland Hanna, and bassist Richard Davis, among others) is well served by Thad Jones' inventive and swinging arrangements. A classic.
By Scott Yanow. AMG.
**
Thad Jones- (Flugelhorn);
David Spinozza- (Guitar on 5, 6);
Eddie Daniels- (Flute, Clarinet, Tenor Sax);
Jerome Richardson- (Flute, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax);
Billy Harper- (Flute, Tenor Sax);
Joe Farrell, Pepper Adams, Richie Kamuca- (Clarinet, Baritone Sax);
Al Porcino, Marvin Stamm, Snooky Young- (Trumpet);
Dick Berg, Julius Watkins, James Buffington, Earl Chapin- (French Horn on 1, 8);
Eddie Bert, Jimmy Knepper, Benny Powell- (Trombone);
Cliff Heather- (Bass Trombone);
Howard Johnson- (Tuba on 1, 8);
Roland Hanna- (Piano, Electric Piano);
Mel Lewis- (Drums);
Richard Davis- (Electric Bass).
**
A1. Dedication   5:09
A2. It Only Happens Every Time   3:03
A3. Tiptoe   6:38
A4. A Child Is Born   4:04
A5. Us   3:33
B1. Ahunk Ahunk   7:54
B2. Fingers   10:35
B3. Consummation  5:08
**

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Thad JONES with Pepper ADAMS Quintet - Mean What You Say 1966 (REPOST)

Thad JONES with Pepper ADAMS Quintet - Mean What You Say 1966 (REPOST)
Label: Ojc
Audio CD: (July 1, 1991)

Jazz

This features Thad Jones on the flugelhorn with Pepper Adams, one of the great baritone sax players, making a really potent combination for this session. The rhythm section consists of Duke Pearson on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and the drummer Mel Lewis (maybe the start of their long association).

The harmony created by the two horns is very appealing as well as their solo work. Most of the tunes are in a medium tempo groove which includes a very upbeat arrangement of "Wives And Lovers". The set concludes with a very funky version, including tack piano, of "Yes Sir, That's My Baby"......the first and last minute being a rather satirical approach to the music style of the twenties.

This cd will appeal to those who like a tightly knit group that explores the tonal possibilities existing with the combination of flugelhorn and baritone sax, hard bop fans, or fans of these particular musicians. Really good medium tempo session that's good listening!
By Robert J. Ament.
**
Thad Jones- (Flugelhorn)
Pepper Adams- (Baritone sax)
Duke Pearson- (Piano)
Ron Carter- (Bass)
Mel Lewis- (Drums)
**
01. Mean What You Say (4:36)
02. H And T Blues (7:42)
03. Wives And Lovers (4:55)
04. Bossa Nova Ova (3:23)
05. No Refill (4:38)
06. Little Waltz (6:30)
07. Chant (5:20)
08. Yes Sir, That's My Baby (4:07)
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Thad JONES - The Magnificent Vol.3 1956

Thad JONES - The Magnificent Vol.3  1956
Label:Blue Note
Release Date:1956-07-14

Jazz

A harmonically advanced trumpeter/cornetist with a distinctive sound and a talented arranger/composer, Thad Jones (the younger brother of Hank and older brother of Elvin) had a very productive career. Self-taught on trumpet, he started playing professionally when he was 16 with Hank Jones and Sonny Stitt. After serving in the military (1943-46), Jones worked in territory bands in the Midwest. During 1950-53 he performed regularly with Billy Mitchell's quintet in Detroit and he made a few recordings with Charles Mingus (1954-55). Jones became well-known during his long period (1954-63) with Count Basie's Orchestra, taking a "Pop Goes the Weasel" chorus on "April in Paris" and sharing solo duties with Joe Newman. While with Basie, Jones had the opportunity to write some arrangements and he became a busy freelance writer after 1963. He joined the staff of CBS, co-led a quintet with Pepper Adams and near the end of 1965 organized a big band with drummer Mel Lewis that from February 1966 on played Monday nights at the Village Vanguard. During the next decade the orchestra (although always a part-time affair) became famous and gave Jones an outlet for his writing. He composed one standard ("A Child Is Born") along with many fine pieces including "Fingers," "Little Pixie" and "Tiptoe." Among the sidemen in the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (which started out as an all-star group and later on featured younger players) were trumpeters Bill Berry, Danny Stiles, Richard Williams, Marvin Stamm, Snooky Young, and Jon Faddis, trombonists Bob Brookmeyer, Jimmy Knepper and Quentin Jackson, the reeds of Jerome Richardson, Jerry Dodgion, Eddie Daniels, Joe Farrell, Pepper Adams and Billy Harper, pianists Hank Jones, and Roland Hanna, and bassists Richard Davis and George Mraz. In 1978 Jones surprised Lewis by suddenly leaving the band and moving to Denmark, an action he never explained. He wrote for a radio orchestra and led his own group called Eclipse. In late 1984 Jones took over the leadership of the Count Basie Orchestra but within a year bad health forced him to retire. Thad Jones recorded as a leader for Debut (1954-55), Blue Note, Period, United Artists, Roulette, Milestone, Solid State, Artists House, A&M and Metronome and many of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra's best recordings have been reissued on a five-CD Mosaic box set.
By Scott Yanow. AMG.
**
Thad Jones- Trumpet
Benny Powell- Trombone (1-4)
Gigi Gryce- Alto Sax (1-4)
Tommy Flanagan- Piano (1-4)
Barry Harris- Piano (5)
George Duvivier- Bass (1-4)
Percy Heath- Bass (5)
Elvin Jones- Drums (1-4)
Max Roach- Drums (5)
**
01. Slipped Again (Thad Jones) 6:21
02. Ill Wind (Koehler-Arlen) 7:05
03. Thadrack (Thad Jones) 5:43
04. Let's (Thad Jones) 8:46
05. I've Got a Crush on You (Gershwin) 7:37
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Thad JONES - Debut Thad Jones 1955

Thad JONES - Debut Thad Jones 1955
Label: OJC
Release Date: 07/01/1991

Jazz

Trumpeter Thad Jones made his debut as a leader for Charles Mingus' Debut label during 1954-55, music that has been reissued as a single CD in the OJC series and as part of a huge 12-CD Mingus Debut box set. The 12 performances (which include two alternate takes) really put the focus on Jones' accessible yet unpredictable style. Half of the music showcases Jones in a quartet with pianist John Dennis, bassist Mingus and drummer Max Roach. while the other six numbers are more in a Count Basie groove with Frank Wess on tenor and flute, pianist Hank Jones, Mingus and drummer Kenny Clarke. The originals tend to be tricky, and even such standards as "I'll Remember April," "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "Get Out of Town" have their surprising moments. Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
**
Thad Jones- Trumpet
Frank Wess- Tenor sax, Flute
Hank Jones- Piano
Charles Mingus- Bass
Kenny Clarke- Drums
on 3,5,6,8,10
*
Thad Jones- Trumpet
John Dennis- Piano
Charles Mingus- Bass
Max Roach- Drums
on 1,2,4,7,11,12
**
01.Get Out Of Town (7:28)
02.One More (7:28)
03.Bitty Ditty (5:12)
04.More Of The Same (5:12)
05.Elusive (4:50)
06.Sombre Intrusion (2:46)
07.I Can't Get Started (6:05)
08.I'll Remember April (3:48)
09.10.You Don't Know What Love Is (3:29)
11.Chazzanova (3:41) (Mingus)
12.Get Out Of Town (alternate) (8:43)
13.One More (alternate) (3:59)
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Thad JONES - Detroit,New York Junction 1956

Thad JONES - Detroit,New York Junction 1956
Label: Blue Note
Audio CD: (March 20, 2007)
Audio-Video Studios, NYC, March 13, 1956

Jazz

Genius early work from the legendary Thad Jones -- one of his greatest albums ever, and a sublime tribute to his talents on the trumpet! Jones has a groove here that definitely fits in nicely with the title -- some of the more contemplative, expressive modes of his native Detroit scene -- honed with a bit more of the sharpness that New York players were bringing to hardbop at the time! Jones' trumpet is warmly lyrical, but never in a sleepy, or too-easy sort of way -- and the group here has plenty of nice edges, thanks to killer tenor sax from the under-rated Billy Mitchell, guitar from Kenny Burrell, piano from Tommy Flanagan, bass from Oscar Pettiford, and drums from Shadow Wilson. There's a tremendous balance between gentleness and depth going on here -- and the album has an unbounded sense of creativity that easily makes it one of the most sparkling Blue Note sides from the time! Titles include "Little Girl Blue", "Blue Room", "Tar Riff", "Zec", and "Scratch".
From Dusty Groove.
**
Detroit-New York Junction is a session recorded in 1956, remastered 50 years later by Rudy Van Gelder. The players involved are Thad Jones (brother of Elvin, who plays drums on several Blue Note and other jazz recordings) on trumpet, Billy Mitchell on tenor saxophone, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Oscar Pettiford on bass, and Shadow Wilson on drums. This is music that falls in between bebop and hard bop, with excellent performances by all the musicians involved. Three of the songs are Thad Jones originals, "Tariff", "Scratch", and "Zec". "Scratch" and "Zec" are both real burners, "Scratch" in particular allowing each musician to show off. "Tariff" and "Blue Room" are both boppish as well, but a little more laid back. All boast a solid groove and the musicianship is exemplary. Perhaps the highlight of the set is the rendition of "Little Girl Blue". Thad Jones's tone on this ballad is simply gorgeous, full-bodied and alluring, backed only by subtle touches of guitar and bass. This album as a whole is an excellent addition to any jazz collection.
By Jack Baker.
**
Thad Jones- Trumpet
Billy Mitchell- Tenor Sax
Kenny Burrell- Guitar
Tommy Flanagan- Piano
Oscar Pettiford- Bass
Shadow Wilson- Drums
**
01. Blue Room  6:45
02. Tariff (Rudy Van Gelder Edition)  5:30
03. Little Girl Blue  2:48
04. Scratch  10:28
05. Zec  8:46
**
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