Mel Lewis - Naturally

This was the first recording by The Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, made just a short time after co-leader Thad Jones surprised everyone by suddenly quitting and moving to Europe. Although Jones was gone, the band was still performing his arrangements, and all six of the charts on the set were his; plus, he was the composer of five of the tunes. With such soloists as pianist Jim Mcneely, altoist Dick Oatts, trumpeter John Marshall, and the tenors of Bob Rockwell and Richard Perry (along with plenty of tight ensembles), it was clear that the orchestra would live on. Read More