Not only could he play, his skills as an arranger and big band leader were so admired that many forgot what a great player he also was. He co-led with drummer Mel Lewis one of the greatest contemporary big bands in jazz history, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra which for decades has had Monday nights at the Village Vanguard in NYC (called the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra since Lewis’ passing). One of the very best big band arrangers of all time. Got his start as an arranger and trumpeter with Count Basie’s band. Check out:
Thad Jones “The Magnificent Thad Jones”
Hank Jones “Groovin High”
Oliver Nelson “More Blues And The Abstract Truth”
Pepper Adams “Plays The Compositions Of Charles Mingus”
And, of course, as leader and arranger of his big band. Great arranger. Some favorites are:
”Live At The Village Vanguard”
”Central Park North”
”Consummation”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZLvqXFddu0
Thad Jones “The Magnificent Thad Jones”
Hank Jones “Groovin High”
Oliver Nelson “More Blues And The Abstract Truth”
Pepper Adams “Plays The Compositions Of Charles Mingus”
And, of course, as leader and arranger of his big band. Great arranger. Some favorites are:
”Live At The Village Vanguard”
”Central Park North”
”Consummation”
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZLvqXFddu0