Record Reviews

THAD JONES ~ MAD THAD / OLIO VOCALION 5307 (Barcode: 765387530723) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1957 Released: 2009 US trumpeter / composer Thad JonesFind albums by this artist (a member of the extensive Jones clan, which includes Quincy, Jimmy, Jo, Eddie and Thad´s younger brother Elvin) paid his dues in full on the NY scene, playing with the American who´s who of Jazz. His unique lyrical tone and his great feel for melody made him one of the greatest trumpeters of his time. This excellent reissue brings back to life two lovely recordings from the late 1950s, featuring Jones as a soloist in front of superb ensembles, which include such famous names as Frank FosterFind albums by this artist (sax) Frank WessFind albums by this artist (sax and flute) Tommy FlanaganFind albums by this artist (piano), Mal WaldronFind albums by this artist (piano) and many others. Although his most famous moments would come only about a decade later, when Jones was to co-lead one of the best ever Big Bands with drummer Mel LewisFind albums by this artist, these recordings show him in a more intimate setting, which emphasizes his excellent skills as a player and improviser. I had a real fun listening to these albums (which were out of circulation for ages), a reminder of times when life was simpler and music better. Recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

THAD JONES / MEL LEWIS ORCHESTRA ~ ALL MY YESTERDAYS RESONANCE 2023 (Barcode: 096802280221) ~ USA ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1966 Released: 2016 This is an archival 2CD live album by the quintessential American Jazz Big Band / Orchestra, co led by trumpeter / composer / arranger Thad JonesFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Thaddeus J. JonesFind albums by this artist) and drummer Mel LewisFind albums by this artist, recorded at the legendary NY Village Vanguard club, on February 7, 1966 (CD1 six tracks, all composed by Jones) and March 21, 1966 (CD2 eleven tracks, seven composed by Jones and four standards). The somewhat different lineups include many of the top American Jazz musicians active at the time, including pianist Hank JonesFind albums by this artist, bassist Richard DavisFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Jerome RichardsonFind albums by this artist, Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist, Eddie DanielsFind albums by this artist and Pepper AdamsFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Snooky YoungFind albums by this artist and Jimmy OwensFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bob BrookmeyerFind albums by this artist and others. As usual with the albums released by ResonanceFind albums on this label Records, the restored sound is excellent and the album includes a huge informative booklet with in-depth articles and excellent photographs. The music is as perfect as American Big Bands at their best were able to create, with rich arrangements utilizing the Big Band’s sections to the max, and thanks to the aggregation of talent present among the membership, the music flows briskly and sparklingly for the entire duration. There is plenty of excellent soloing and the compositions are all perfect for the Big Band milieu to shine ceaselessly. In retrospect, however, this music does sound quite predicable and shackled within the mainstream conventionalism, especially in contrast to what European Big Bands were about to explore just a few years later, which took the Jazz Big Band / Orchestral music to the next level. Overall, this is a wonderful example of the American Big Band tradition at its best, sparkled with the great musicianship available at the time. But Jazz was shaking at its foundations, with John ColtraneFind albums by this artist recording music at the same Village Vanguard, which sounded like coming from another galaxy, and the American Big Band scene was sadly coming to its final days, unable to adapt to the new era.

Updated: 16/12/2025Posted: 16/12/2025

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend