ProJazz.net

The Magnificent Thad Jones is an album by American jazz trumpeter Thad Jones featuring performances recorded in 1956 and released on the Blue Note label.

“In 1956, trumpeter Thad Jones was making his way forward as a leader and apart from his important role with the Count Basie Orchestra, having recorded for the Charles Mingus owned “Debut” and Period labels. But this release for Blue Note most firmly established him as one of the premier musicians and composers in modern jazz; it’s titled “Magnificent” for many great reasons. There are several precedents set here; the initial foray out of Detroit for the young pianist and fellow Michiganian Barry Harris, the identifying of a personalized small group, as well as individual sound of Jones, and his ability to easily bring great jazz icons together as a team. With Detroit’s Billy Mitchell on tenor sax, Percy Heath’s bass, and stellar drummer Max Roach, this quintet makes truly great jazz music together.” – Michael G. Nastos/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“April in Paris” (Vernon Duke, E. Y. Harburg) – 6:43
“Billie-Doo” (Thad Jones) – 7:30
“If I Love Again” (Jack Murray, Ben Oakland) – 7:27
“If Someone Had Told Me” (Peter DeRose, Charles Tobias) – 5:51
“Thedia” (Thad Jones) – 10:35

Personnel:
Thad Jones – trumpet
Billy Mitchell – tenor saxophone
Barry Harris – piano
Percy Heath – bass
Max Roach – drums

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Released: January 1957
Recorded: July 9 & 14, 1956
Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack
Length: 38:06 original LP
Label: Blue Note
BLP 1527
Producer: Alfred Lion