Thad Jones

After cornetist-arranger Thad Jones suddenly decided to leave both the United States and the orchestra that he co-led with drummer Mel Lewis in 1977, he settled in Copenhagen. He soon became the chief conductor and main arranger for the Danish Radio Big Band. This CD of previously unreleased material has some of the finest recordings of his European period. Jones contributed five compositions to this set, arranging those pieces while having guitarist Bo Sylvén, keyboardist Ole Kock Hansen, and Ray Pitts arrange the other five numbers. Jones' conducting was apparently quite inspiring and the 20-piece orchestra swings hard throughout. Jones only takes one solo (being showcased on "Old Folks"), but there are many good spots for trumpeters Idrees Sulieman and Allan Botschinsky, Jesper Thilo (on alto and soprano), tenor saxophonist Bent Jaedig, and keyboardist Ole Kock Hansen. In addition, trombonist Richard Boone sings on "I Got Rhythm." High points include spirited versions of "Tip Toe," "Kids Are Pretty People," Dizzy Gillespie's "Frelimo," and the joyous "A Good Time Was Had by All." Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide