jazz album of the week

This week we feature a Thad Jones recording- "The Magnificent Thad Jones"!

Recorded in 1956 for the Blue Note Label, this recording finds a relatively young Thad Jones playing in top for surrounded by a few fellow Detroit colleagues. Already a member of the Count Basie Orchestra for about 2 years, Jones opens up the album with a Basie signature, "April In Paris", even utilizing his "Pop Goes The Weasel" quote from his earlier famous recording with Basie. This with a few Jones originals and a beautiful version of "If Someone Had Told Me" and a swinging version of "If I Love Again", this record is not one to be skipped, especially those who are fans of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band.

Personnel:

Thad Jones- trumpet

Billy Mitchell- tenor saxophone

Barry Harris- piano

Percy Heath- bass

Max Roach- drums