Presenting Joe Williams & Thad Jones/Mel Lewis

Joe Williams, Mel Lewis, Thad Jones | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 15, 1994)
• Original Release Date: November 15, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005GYM
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,575 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the very best . . ., July 5, 2000

By 

Robert M. Freedman (Gilbert, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Presenting Joe Williams & Thad Jones/Mel Lewis (Audio CD)

One of the very best singers accompanied by a band that cannot be surpassed. That's what's on this album.

Joe Williams had a combination of talent and charisma which placed him in the topmost echelon of jazz and blues artists. The Jones/Lewis organization of the mid 60's was an assembly of young, energetic, accomplished and dedicated instrumentalists the likes of which can only be longingly imagined today. And all elements of this marvelous mixture are beautifully represented on this CD.

The recording engineer was Phil Ramone, one of the most skilled and musical members of his profession. Recording with Phil at the board was the ideal situation for every performer and arranger in Manhattan. The album was recorded live to a 4-track machine. What you hear is what went on in the studio, and its good!

Joe Williams displays his grasp of a range of approaches to music. The knowing, reverent reading of Ellington's "Come Sunday" contrasts beautifully with the extroverted cockiness of tunes like "Evil Man Blues". Everything fits. Everything works.

The arrangements - mostly being sight-read on the sessions - were written by Thad, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and, I immodestly disclose, me ("Night Time Is The Right Time"). I mention the writers here because the album's producers failed to do so.

This CD is one that every lover of this kind of music will want. If you already have the LP it's probably as worn down and scratchy as is mine. If you don't, a wonderful new experience awaits you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost As Good As Joe Can Get!, January 11, 2007

By 

J. Bruce Collier Jr. "Bruski" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Presenting Joe Williams & Thad Jones/Mel Lewis (Audio CD)

To be honest, the only reason I would not give this album 5 stars is that when it comes to Joe Williams and big bands, I still hold out for that Basie touch.

On the other hand, buy this if you're a fan of Joes! It's definitely worth the sheckles to hear this band with Joe Williams!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Presenting Joe Williams & Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, July 3, 2005

By 

Big Ears - See all my reviews

This review is from: Presenting Joe Williams & Thad Jones/Mel Lewis (Audio CD)

My personal choice for a desert island. The ultimate jazz vocalist and big band album! Everything comes together singer, band, recording, and Thad Jones arrangements!