This follow-up to Vol. 1 of Jones’ music employs Eddie Daniels, Richard Davis, Benny Golson, Hank Jones, James Moody, John Mosca, Jimmy Owens, Kenny Washington and Frank Wess. Producer Michael Patterson adapted Jones’ big-band charts for the small group. Veteran jazz critic Ira Gitler gives us the play-by-play in the liner notes. You might call this an album with the weight of experience behind it.
There are light, agile ensemble theme statements followed by solos that demonstrate ingenious paths through the chord changes, soulful varieties of tone and swinging rhythms. (Solid study material here for eager transcribers.) On “Three and One,” Patterson has voiced Jones’ big-band sax solos for clarinet (Daniels), two tenors, flugelhorn and trombone. On “Central Park North (Interlude),” Owens, on flugelhorn, initially plays a transcription of a Thad Jones solo from a concert recording. Most lovely. Jerome Richardson’s “Grove Merchant,” the only non-Jones composition on the album (but a Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra staple), gives way to an angular tenor break and an alternately supple and angular solo by Golson. Wess and Daniels, also on tenor, follow.
The charts, the maturity and spark of the soloists, and the memories of Jones make this album a winner.
Various Artists : One More: The Summary—Music of Thad Jones, Vol. 2
JazzTimes may earn a small commission if you buy something using one of the retail links in our articles. JazzTimes does not accept money for any editorial recommendations. Read more about our policy here. Thanks for supporting JazzTimes.
