This major Jazz orchestra was the brainchild of one of the leading arrangers and trumpeters in Jazz music: Thad Jones and one of the finest big band drummers: Mel Lewis. It began as a rehearsal band but soon through the efforts of Thad and Mel scored a regular Monday might gig at New York's leading Jazz club, The Village Vanguard. The band soon became an institution and began a series of recordings of which this is it's first live recording. It has become a classic. It was recorded on April 28, 1967. You'll hear stars like Eddie Daniels, Pepper Adams, Bob Brookmeyer, Roland Hanna, Richard Davis, Snooky Young and many more delivering spirited solos and basking in the glory of playing in one of the finest concert Jazz bands in history. After Thad's departure in 1978, Mel Lewis took over exclusive leadership until his passing and to this day it continues every Monday as The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Tonight's Feature is it's incredible beginning and what a beginning it is!

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