Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra

The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band was a Jazz Big band formed by trumpeter Thad Jones and drummer Mel Lewis around 1965.

The group, also known as the Thad Jone

The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band was a Jazz Big band formed by trumpeter Thad Jones and drummer Mel Lewis around 1965.

The group, also known as the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, started out as a bunch of all-star studio musicians getting together for midnight practice sessions at any place within walking distance from Jim and Andy's, a bar frequented by New York musicians. They eventually debuted at the Village Vanguard in New York in 1966. They were quickly noticed by jazz insiders for their originality and virtuoso skills.