The birth of a legend – documented here in a really
wonderful package – a brilliant 2CD set that brings forth the first-ever
recordings of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra – heard here on the debut
nights of their very long run of Monday night performances at the Village
Vanguard! Right from the start, this group was really something special –
formed by the meeting of two legendary talents, trumpeter Thad Jones and
drummer Mel Lewis – and driven strongly by a lineup of all-star players who
were happy to shelve their egos this night of the week, and come together in a
unit that was far more than just the sum of its amazing parts. Players on these
two nights include Hank Jones on piano, Richard Davis on bass, Jimmy Owens and
Bill Berry on trumpets, Bob Brookmeyer and Garnett Brown on trombones, and
Jerome Richardson, Joe Farrell, Pepper Adams, and Jerry Dodgion on a flurry of
amazing reed performances – producing the kinds of insane colors and edges the
group was always known for! This isn't big band jazz – at least not the sort
you'd think of with cliche – and instead, the recordings document the meeting
of amazing talents creating effortlessly together under the leadership of two
generous giants. The package is wonderful, really a tribute to this amazing
music – oversized, and with a huge booklet of notes and photos – and 2CDs with
titles that include "Back Bone", "Big Dipper", "Mornin
Reverend", "Little Pixie", "All My Yesterdays",
"Once Around", "Ah That's Freedom", and "Don't Ever
Leave Me". ~ Dusty Grooove
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