I think that “sparkles” is a great way to describe Randy Brecker’s playing. He plays with a very brilliant tone, very modern harmonic concept and a swing feel that is informed by his extensive experience in the rock and fusion worlds. Speaking of musical families, he and his brother Michael (RIP) have fronted some of the best fusion ensembles in the genre. If you like Randy’s playing you may want to check out Woody Shaw. While Shaw doesn’t hint of a fusion influence I find that there are similarities in their style and advanced harmonic concept; all at an arguably even higher level.
Re Thad Jones: his arranging skills were fantastic, but his skill as a composer shouldn’t be overlooked. Probably his best known composition:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-M2ADUgffFE
Btw, as a testament to how highly regarded he was among his piers consider that ever since the decline in the popularity of big bands playing in one has not been a money making proposition at all for busy players. They did it for the love of the music and that type of musical setting; and take a look at who is in the reed section in the live clip of “Groove Merchant” that I posted: Joe Henderson, Jerome Richardson, Jerry Dodgion, Eddie Daniels and Pepper Adams. Not too shabby!
Re Thad Jones: his arranging skills were fantastic, but his skill as a composer shouldn’t be overlooked. Probably his best known composition:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-M2ADUgffFE
Btw, as a testament to how highly regarded he was among his piers consider that ever since the decline in the popularity of big bands playing in one has not been a money making proposition at all for busy players. They did it for the love of the music and that type of musical setting; and take a look at who is in the reed section in the live clip of “Groove Merchant” that I posted: Joe Henderson, Jerome Richardson, Jerry Dodgion, Eddie Daniels and Pepper Adams. Not too shabby!