Trumpeter
Thad Jones made his debut as a leader for
Charles Mingus' Debut label during 1954-55, music that has been reissued as a single CD in the OJC series and as part of a huge 12-CD
Mingus Debut box set. The 12 performances (which include two alternate takes) really put the focus on
Jones' accessible yet unpredictable style. Half of the music showcases
Jones in a quartet with pianist
John Dennis, bassist
Mingus and drummer
Max Roach. while the other six numbers are more in a
Count Basie groove with
Frank Wess on tenor and flute, pianist
Hank Jones,
Mingus and drummer
Kenny Clarke. The originals tend to be tricky, and even such standards as "I'll Remember April," "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "Get Out of Town" have their surprising moments. ~ Scott Yanow