AOTW: THE THAD JONES/MEL LEWIS QUARTET (CD-0830)

[Captain Bacardi]

The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Quartet
THE THAD JONES/MEL LEWIS QUARTET
A&M CD-0830

Released 1989

Format: Cassette/CD

Produced by John Snyder

Songs:

• 1. But Not For Me (George Gershwin) - 16:56
  2. This Can't Be Love (Richard Rogers/Lorenz Hart) - 4:09
  3. Autumn Leaves (Joseph Kosma/Johnny Mercer) - 15:31
  4. What Is This Thing (Thad Jones/Mel Lewis) - 5:17
  5. Love For Sale (Cole Porter) - 9:24
  6. Things Ain't What They Used To Be (Mercer Ellington/Ted Persons) - 12:18

Musicians:
Thad Jones - Cornet
Mel Lewis - Drums
Rufus Reid - Bass
Harold Danko - Piano

Recorded at the Airliner Lounge, Miami, Florida, September 24, 1977 by Mack Emerman, assisted by Peter Yianilos and Joe Foglia and Criteria-Artisan remote facilities.
Mixed by Geoff Sykes and Ed Michel at Kendun Recorders, Burbank, California, November 7 and 8, 1977.
Digitally mastered on January 27, 1989 by John Snyder and Rudy Van Gelder.
Selections one through four previously released on Artists House.

Art Direction: Chuck Beeson
Design: Phil Shima
Photography: Carol Friedman
Liner notes by Mel Lewis, Rufus Reid, Thad Jones and Harold Danko



Capt. Bacardi

 

[Captain Bacardi]

This is a very solid live set from Thad Jones and Mel Lewis. After so many years of listening to their big band records it was nice to hear Thad play his horn in a more intimate setting. This is a straight-ahead blowing session of mainly standards, with all of the musicians getting ample time to display their talent. My favorite track is "Love For Sale", although I love the quotes of "Carmen" on "What Is This Thing". Harold Danko's piano is a perfect foil for Jones' horn work on most of the songs. Mel Lewis isn't the most prolific drum soloist, and is about the only negative on this album. But fortunately he doesn't take too many solos. Rufus Reid takes a nice solo on "Things Ain't What They Used To Be". All in all a magnificent album. Too bad most folks didn't take notice of this album. 4 & 1/2 stars.



Capt. Bacardi

 

[Rudy]

I've really gotta find some of their albums, including this one.