The debut recording of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra launched a mighty (if part-time) all-star big band. With arrangements by
Jones,
Bob Brookmeyer, and
Tom McIntosh and such soloists as baritonist
Pepper Adams, pianist
Hank Jones, valve trombonist
Brookmeyer,
Jerome Richardson on various reeds, altoist
Jerry Dodgion, and
Joe Farrell and
Eddie Daniels on tenors (in addition to flügelhornist
Jones), it is not surprising that the orchestra was soon rated near the top. Among the seven selections are four
Thad Jones originals (including "Mean What You Say"), "Willow Weep for Me," and
Brookmeyer's lengthy "ABC Blues." ~ Scott Yanow