Rok, thanks for the kind words; and thanks for your and everyone's contributions. Einstein!? Not sure where one can go for there. But, for perspective's sake, I would point out that there are many who truly live the "jazz life" who posses a level of insight and understanding of the language of jazz that blows me away every time I speak to them. The depth and number of layers in the music (any music, really) is amazing.
Charles, I completely agree about Thad Jones; every bit the talent that his siblings was/is and deserving of as much recognition; although, he certainly gets it from the players. BTW, more times than not, when he fronted the band he played cornet instead of trumpet.
Learsfool, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra) has been the Monday night "house band" at the Village Vanguard in NYC since the 60's when it was founded by Thad and Mel as an outlet for playing in that kind of setting for many of the top NY guys (and occasional lady) who spent the days in the NYC studios doing session work. The list of players that have played in the band is truly incredible; many of these players went on to have high-profile solo careers. The band gained recognition during a time when big bands were in decline and is certainly the most influential big band of the last forty years. I heard the Thad/Mel band at the Vanguard about half a dozen times while still in high school and college in the 70's and early 80's. It was an amazing experience every time, and you can imagine how awe-inspiring is must have been to hear all those "heroes" in that room with the walls covered with photos of all the greats that have played there. If ever there has been a place for a jazz lover to make a "pilgrimage" to, it's the Vanguard.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tE7CJhf0eK8
