In 1965, two musicians – trumpeter Thad Jones and drummer Mel Lewis _ formed a band, giving extra work to New York City’s best studio musicians, which meant some of the best musicians alive.
The 16-piece group began playing Monday nights in 1966 at the venerable Village Vanguard and became the most important big band in the country – one that both kept the spirit of the great big bands alive, yet pushed the music forward. It’s list of alumni is astonishing - trombonist Eddie Bert and Bob Brookmeyer; saxophonist Joe Lovano and Pepper Adams; trumpeters Lew Soloff and Snooky Young; and pianist Roland Hanna and Hank Jones are just a few of the great musicians that have performed with the band.
It is now known at the Vanguard Orchestra and it still plays Monday nights at the Vanguard. It will perform Saturday at 7 p.m. at Western Connecticut State University. in Danbury. Expect a terrific night of music.t