Lisik and Allen, 50 Years At The Village Vanguard (SkyDeck)
Dave Lisik and Eric Allen tell the story of The Vanguard Orchestra and its predecessors. In a huge book illustrated with hundreds of images, they trace the orchestra from its creation by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis through decades of music that has set standards to which big jazz bands everywhere aspire. Laced with commentary and comments by current and former band members and written with admirable continuity, the book illuminates how, years after their deaths, the personalities and convictions of Jones and Lewis continue to guide the orchestra’s collective musical philosophy—even while jazz at large often seems to be shooting off in all directions. Experienced composers and performers, Lisik and Allen have put their academic talents to use in creating a well-organized and eminently readable book. It is a must for anyone interested in the Jones-Lewis mystique.