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The master trumpeter, composer, arranger and bandleader Thad Jones would be 92 if he had lived to celebrate his birthday yesterday. He died in 1986. Fortunately for us, Jones practiced his profession 
in an age of ubiquitous recording. There is a living museum of CDs, LPs and videos of the work he did in many contexts, including the magnificent band that Jones and Mel Lewis co-led for nearly 15 years. His “Central Park North” rarely failed to stoke the fires that burned in the hearts and souls of the 17 members of that distinguished collection of musicians.
Remembering Thad, let’s revisit “Central Park North” in a performance captured by Danish television in Copenhagen in 1969. Members of the band used to tell Jones that he didn’t assign himself enough solos. This concert was an exception; he has the first one. There are also extended solos by trumpeter Snooky Young, soprano saxophonist Jerome Richardson and co-leader Lewis on drums.
Thad Jones, flugelhorn & conductor
Al Porcino, trumpet
Richard Williams, trumpet
Snooky Young, trumpet
Danny Moore, trumpet
Eddie Bert, trombone
Jimmy Knepper, trombone
Garnett Brown, trombone
Jerome Richardson, soprano sax
Eddie Daniels, clarinet
Jerry Dodgion, alto sax
Joe Henderson, tenor sax
Pepper Adams, baritone sax
Cliff Heather, bass trombone
Roland Hanna, piano
Richard Davis, bass
Mel Lewis, drums