Thad Jones
b. Thaddeus Joseph Jones, 28 March 1923, Pontiac, Michigan, USA, d. 20 August 1986, Copenhagen, Denmark. A self-taught trumpet player, Jones began playing with a band led by his older brother, Hank Jones, in his early teens. He developed his technique and advanced his musical knowledge during military service and in several dance bands. In the early 50s he played in a band led by Billy Mitchell, which also included his younger brother, Elvin Jones. In 1954 Thad was with Charles Mingus; the same year he also joined Count Basie, an engagement that lasted until 1963. In the mid-60s Jones formed The Jazz Orchestra, which he co-led with Mel Lewis. During this period he extended his writing activities, composing and arranging the bulk of this remarkable band's outstanding book. In 1979 Jones quit The Jazz Orchestra and emigrated to Denmark, where he wrote for and performed with the Danish Radio Big Band, often playing valve trombone (which he had taken up following a lip injury). He also appeared with the Swedish Radio Big Band and formed a band of his own, Eclipse. In 1985 he took on the leadership of the Count Basie Orchestra, leaving in February the following year, some six months before his death.
Listen to Thad Jones
at Finetune.
Albums
- (2007) The Fabulous Thad Jones
- (2007) Detroit-New York Junction
- (2007) Mean What You Say
- (2007) The Magnificent Thad Jones (Rudy Van Gelder Edition)
- (2004) Central Park North
- (2002) Consummation
Top Tracks
- Fingers
- April In Paris (Rudy Van Gelder Edition) (2007 Digital Remaster)
- The Groove Merchant (Remix) (1994 Digital Remaster)
- A Child Is Born
- Big Dipper (Remix) (1994 Digital Remaster)
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