Thad Jones, the magnificent
Thad Jones · Photo: Downbeat Magazine via Wikipedia.
Thaddeus Joseph Jones (March 28, 1923 – August 20, 1986), better known as Thad Jones, was a highly influential jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. He played trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn, and was known for his distinctive style and innovative arrangements.
You’ve probably know him for his famous “April in Paris" performance as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra. The complete classic album April in Paris, presented Wild Bill Davis’ fantastic arrangement of the title tune. But his iconic trumpet solo on The Magnificent Thad Jones records is often cited as one of the greatest solos in jazz history.
The arrangement is known for its lush harmonies and driving rhythm section, and it remains a beloved standard in the jazz repertoire. Jones' work with Basie was highly influential, and helped to shape the sound of big band jazz in the 1950s and 60s.
“Thad Jones iconic trumpet solo on the recording is often cited as one of the greatest solos in jazz history”.
If you want to learn ore about Thad Jones you can do it by listening to five of his most delightful and appreciated performances:
1. "A Child Is Born" - This beautiful ballad is one of Jones' most famous compositions. It has been covered by many other musicians and is considered a jazz standard.
2. "Central Park North" - This upbeat and energetic tune showcases Jones' arranging skills and features some impressive solos by members of his band, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra.
3. "The Groove Merchant" - This funky tune features a memorable melody and a driving rhythm section. It's a great example of Jones' ability to write catchy, accessible music that still has plenty of depth and sophistication.
4. "Don't Git Sassy" - This swinging tune is a showcase for Jones' trumpet playing, with some impressive high notes and virtuosic runs.
5. "Mean What You Say" - This hard-swinging tune features Jones' flugelhorn playing, which is known for its warm tone and expressive phrasing. It's a great example of Jones' ability to convey emotion through his playing.
And if you love Thad Jones, you will definitely enjoy the live performance of the Hikari Ichihara Quartet on Oh! Jazz.
Hikari Ichirara studied Jazz at Tokyo's famed Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, where many musicians have taught and done clinics including members from The Count Basie Orchestra. Hikari is as fine a trumpet player as she is a composer, a review of her recordings reveal a real knack for composition and arranging. The Late Show which featured the great Victor Lewis on drums and George Mraz on bass. This quartet will delight you with it's fine music, and introspective moods and nuances. The band is trumpet, alto sax, guitar and bass, a unique blend of sounds, allowing for dreamy and colorful expression.
