In case you’ve forgotten what joy a big band can generate at its peak of performance, here is the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra on Ralph J. Gleason’s Jazz Casual telecast on public television. The set list is “Just Blues,” “St. Louis Blues” and “Kids Are Pretty People.” This was broadcast on PBS in April, 1968. We bring you the entire program.
Personnel: Thad Jones, flugelhorn and conductor; Trumpets, Snooky Young, Richard Williams, Randy Brecker, Danny Moore; Trombones, Bob Brookmeyer, Garnett Brown, Jimmy Knepper, Benny Powell; Saxophones, Jerome Richardson, Seldon Powell, Dodgion, Eddie Daniels, Pepper Adams, baritone sax & clarinet; Rhythm, Roland Hanna piano; Richard Davis, bass; Mel Lewis, drums.
For more about and by the Jones-Lewis band in its heyday, go here.