The
Thad Jones-
Mel Lewis Orchestra was one of the most significant big bands of the late '60s, a most unpromising era for larger jazz orchestras. This live session from the band's regular Monday night gig at the Village Vanguard has strong solos from altoist Jerry Dodgion,
Eddie Daniels and
Seldon Powell on tenors, trombonist
Jimmy Knepper, a bit of plunger trumpet from
Jimmy Nottingham, pianist Roland Hanna and trumpeter Richard Williams in addition to
Thad Jones himself. Most impressive is
Bob Brookmeyer's adventurous arrangement of "St. Louis Blues." The contents of this out-of-print LP have been included in the Mosaic box set The Complete Solid State Thad Jones/Mel Lewis. ~ Scott Yanow