Thad Jones was better known as a bandleader/composer arranger but he was also a magnificent trumpeter. Thad was from the famous Detroit Jones family that produced older brother Hank, the great pianist and the youngest brother, Elvin, one of the most innovative of Jazz drummers. Thad, born in Pontiac, Michigan on March 28, 1923 was the "middle brother". Thad was 63 when he passed away in his adopted city of Copenhagen on August 21, 1986 at age 63. This album celebrates his birthday and is his first in a series he did for the Blue Note label. It's called "Detroit-New York Junction" and it features Thad with fellow Detroiters, Billy Mitchell (tenor saxophone), Kenny Burrell (guitar), Tommy Flanagan (piano) with New Yorkers, Oscar Pettiford on bass and the great unsung drummer Rossiere "Shadow" Wilson. The 5 tunes include two standards and 3 Jones' originals. The album gives us generous portions of Thad's original and unique trumpet playing. Charles Mingus called Thad "Bartok with valves". Happy Birthday Mr. Jones....I'm sure you are now enjoying the company of your brothers in Jazz Heaven.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related