Thad Jones was a very innovative arranger and exploited the saxophone section with long sinewy saxophone "solis": the section playing long harmonized musical lines. Great conductor, he was in the "performance mix" more so than most big band leaders with the way that he shaped an arrangement by controlling and cueing the dynamics of the band. One watches him lead the band and it's almost as if he is part of the rhythm section with his body movements and handclaps, all the while shaping the dynamics of the performance. He got his start as an arranger while a member of the trumpet section in Count Basie's band. Not only was he a great arranger he was a great trumpet player:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IL78WhqILZQ
The Vanguard jazz orchestra has been a cornerstone of NYC's Jazz scene for decades keeping Thad's flame alive and where the best current players can be heard. Some of my favorite saxophone writing by Thad:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4MSMgwknQlI
Great clip of the Thad&Mel mini-documentary, btw.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IL78WhqILZQ
The Vanguard jazz orchestra has been a cornerstone of NYC's Jazz scene for decades keeping Thad's flame alive and where the best current players can be heard. Some of my favorite saxophone writing by Thad:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4MSMgwknQlI
Great clip of the Thad&Mel mini-documentary, btw.