International Society for Jazz Research

This paper gives a brief history of the Thad Jones Mel Lewis Orchestra before discussing four selected Thad Jones arrangements ("Big Dipper", "Fingers", "Dedication" and "Cherry Juice"). The following points are made:

Thad Jones' repertory of his own compositions and arrangements comprises various musical forms: there are simple, song-like ballads, blues-, gospel- and rock-inspired melodies, as well as pieces in the bebop style.

The regular progression of choruses is often interrupted by measures that are interludes or transitions. Solo improvisations, backgrounds and arranged passages alternate, permeate each other, and comprise a well-composed, thematic whole. During a live performance this piece can be "opened" spontaneously depending upon the situation. Solo improvisations often occur for the first time in the second chorus with a background meant to intensify the improvisation. Jones' improvisations are marked by an intentional effect at the end; namely, the climax of the piece, usually an ensemble passage, occurs in the last quarter of the arrangement.

Thad Jones writes for traditional big band orchestras (2as, 2ts, bs, 4tp, 4tb, g, p, b, dr). In his treatment of flutes, clarinets, horns and tuba, he often achieves complex and varied tonal textures. When in combination with these instruments, the brass instruments are often muted. Alto saxophones are sometimes replaced with soprano saxophones producing a sharper, more modern sound.

Passages in unison, homophone movements and polyphone combinations of both types are the most important elements of Jones' musical vocabulary. Rhythmic complexity grows, often in a meshed structure of complementary rhythms, until the end of a chorus. There is a further analysis, in the form of a table, of the four above mentioned arrangements. The results form the basis of the contrastive analysis which follows: a statistical and structural investigation of the saxophone and ensemble passages. Sections of "Fingers", "Cherry Juice" and "Big Dipper" are compared with equivalent sections of "Four Brothers" (by Jimmy Giuffre) and "Basie Straight Ahead" (by Sammy Nestico). The purpose of this study is, above all, to provide a method for similar or further investigations of this nature.

The comments that can be made on the basis of the present analysis are limited by the extent of the material investigated.

The concluding part of the paper provides a list of the musicians in the Thad Jones - Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra as well as a discography.