Great Live Moments - Vanguard Jazz Orchestra

April 15, 2008. Posted by Joshua Jackson.

Add new comment | Filed under: brandford, dennis irwin, dick oatts, earl gardner, fourth anniversary, gary smulyan, gifted composers, jason jackson, Jazz Alive, joe mosello, Listening Post, Live Music, luis bonilla, max gordon, mel lewis orchestra, pit bands, ralph lalama, studio professionals, ted rosenthal, valentine s day, vanguard jazz orchestra, village vanguard, wbgo

Thad Jones and Mel Lewis created one of the most enduring rituals in New York. They started a big band in 1966, one that included some of the most gifted composers and improvisers in the city, many of whom were making their living as studio professionals or in Broadway pit bands. Max Gordon at the Village Vanguard booked them for three consecutive Monday evenings, and the rest is history. Both Jones and Lewis are gone, but the spirit of their music (as well as the original compositions and arrangements from their bands) continues with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

Every February, the VJO plays a weeklong showcase at the Vanguard. On the thirty fourth anniversary of the band, WBGO recorded the group on Monday night, of couse. As it happened, that was Valentine's Day, 2000.

We'll feature "Samba Con Getchu," a composition from Bob Brookmeyer, one of the early members of the Thad Jones - Mel Lewis Orchestra. The VJO included Jay Brandford, Ralph Lalama, Dick Oatts, Rich Perry, Gary Smulyan, Saxophones / Glenn Drewes, Earl Gardner, Joe Mosello, Scott Wendholt, Trumpets / Luis Bonilla, Jason Jackson, John Mosca, Douglas Purviance, Trombones / Ted Rosenthal, Piano / Dennis Irwin, Bass / John Riley, Drums

Listen to Samba Con Getchu from the WBGO Archives.

© 2008 WBGO

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