Today's playlist. For the 44th installment, we have "The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra".
I bought it at Flash Disc Ranch, my favorite record store in Shimokitazawa.
This is a record store I've been going to ever since I first moved to Setagaya. It's popular because of its amazing point card system, which is valid as long as the store is open. Once you collect 50 stamps, you can buy any number of records under 15,000 yen for half price.
Revolutionizing the Jazz World: The Trajectory of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra
In 1965, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra burst onto the New York jazz scene like a comet. This big band, created by trumpeter Thad Jones and drummer Mel Lewis, left a brilliant mark on jazz history with its innovative musicality and social impact.
A unique sound created by two masters.
- Thad Jones: Born into a musical family, he was a multi-instrumentalist playing trumpet and cornet, and began his professional career at the age of 16. After gaining experience with the Count Basie Orchestra, he met Mel Lewis and formed an innovative big band.
- Mel Lewis: A veteran drummer who has been active in big bands since the age of 15. Having toured the Soviet Union with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, he met Jones in New York, and together they are making new history in jazz.
Lewis's loose yet meticulous drumming, combined with Jones's original arrangements, has earned them the reputation of being one of the most influential big bands since the swing era.
An innovative big band bringing together diverse talents.
Their band brought together many of the most representative talents of their time.
- Bill Berry
- Billy Harper
- Bob Brookmeyer
- Eddie Daniels
- George Mraz
- Jerome Richardson
- Jerry Dazzion
- Jimmy Knepper
- Joe Farrell
- John Faddis
- Marvin Stam
- Pepper Adams
- Quentin Jackson
- Richard Davis
- Richard Williams
- Roland Hanna
- Snooki Young
Members from diverse backgrounds united during a time of deep-seated racial discrimination and made a significant impact on society through music.
A collection of timeless classics that have been loved across generations.
Their music continues to be loved across generations, with numerous classic albums such as the Grammy Award-winning "Live in Munich" (1978) and "Monday Night Live at the Village Vanguard" (2009).
Even after Jones moved to Denmark in 1978, the band continued to perform every Monday at the prestigious New York jazz club, the Village Vanguard, under the names Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra and then the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra left a significant mark on jazz history with its innovative musicality and social impact. Their music will continue to be loved by many jazz fans and will remain an indispensable part of jazz history.
WAITER-U offers not only camping gear, but also a curated selection of music, books, and movies.
I've also created a playlist on Spotify, so please feel free to listen to it in the car on your way to a camping trip.
