Thad Jones & Mel Lewis - The Groove Merchant (1968)

[@ivanflores5345]

life like this sure is sweet huh?

[@eyeshootbanks9240]

DRUSKI

[@alecguijarro3882]

Sure is

[@BigBrezzy]

It definitely is.

[@NoobZxReviewZ]

It sureeeeee is HAHAHAHA

[@birukbahiru259]

@@alecguijarro3882 🥂

[@NickPlaysGamesX]

I'm about to be blasting this in the whip and laughin like harlow

[@baltimoredrummer1]

Like a fucking boss.

[@KBeaswax]

I did the same thing when I found this video

[@thomasleary2814]

Jean Harlow?

[@jadend1241]

Life like this sure is sweet huh 🥂

[@sagekevin6473]

It definitely is 🥂

[@BreadBoys]

How much did he sell the groove for

[@ryand4883]

¥5

[@dailyblankscreen7938]

I didn’t expect to see you guys here

[@billmossII]

Applause, popularity, blessings, thoughts and prayers.

[@joshuamemos5756]

There’s no price for this kind of elegance

[@johnandmarie7250]

As much as he could get but no more than he needed

[@jayortiz4733]

Life like this sure is sweet.

[@sagekevin6473]

It definitely is 🥂

[@robert72744]

I used to sit in the Vanguard in the late sixties , early seventies and listen to this band. So many great musicians! Sheer joy! And it's 2020 and I'm still listening!

[@mikkovaltonen3564]

I stumbled upon the Vanguard while visiting NYC in 2019 after my freshman year in music college. I saw the line and asked the doorman who's playing. He said "the house band", which of course means what used to be Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. I lined up, bought a ticket at the door and went in for the most mindblowing 1.5 hours of live jazz I've ever heard. On the drums, carrying on Mel Lewis' legacy, was Mr. John Riley, whose drum books I have studied well. Cheers!

[@billlance387]

What a reed section: Henderson, Dodgion, Richardson, Daniels, Adams. Almost unbelievable that these great cats all played in this band at one time. Fantastic.

[@rhythmfield]

@@mikkovaltonen3564 John Riley - great drummer & brilliant educator too - I enjoyed my one lesson w/ him, time for another one.

[@mikkovaltonen3564]

@@rhythmfield I'm planning to apply for master's at the Sibelius Academy here in my native Finland. Mr. Riley sometimes comes in to give masterclasses there. The up-tempo exercises in "Beyond Bop Drumming" really give your coordination a boost :)

[@rhythmfield]

@@mikkovaltonen3564 good luck with your educational pursuits - and thank you, I will look for that up-tempo section and John’s “Beyond Bop” book, thank you!

[@sanguinesardine9072]

"Life like this sure is sweet huh?" - Jack Harlow

[@Ekkie101]

This is the band I used to see at the Village Vanguard. Great fun.

[@patrickashby15]

Thad Jones was one of the most underrated musicians of the 20th century

[@scottraustin]

Having the reed section stand twice for applause shows how much Thad Jones appreciated their clean crisp performance on one of the best written and hippest solis in large ensemble arranging. Considering the soprano player wrote the tune and Thad arranged it what else would you expect! Smooth and swingin all the way. One of the best recordings of it I have heard too.

[@soapbxprod]

pepper adams baritone

[@josephsudlersr.7854]

Listen that sax section as one with Jerome and pepper leading the way pure Magic

[@tay-k3734]

On folks bro

[@pepperwilliams4428]

We had to learn this song when I was in college. I played the 1st tenor chair. It was brutal. However, the good part is I met Jerome Richardson in Berkeley (his Mother use to live a few blocks from where I was staying). He even came over to where I had my quartet (in Oakland), and 'sat in'. Monster musician and nice guy!

[@philiplam6935]

Pepper Williams that would be what I call "an honor"

[@pepperwilliams4428]

It was! And he was such a nice guy.

[@ks7688]

5 years later and I’m in your exact same spot except that I’m on 1st alto. This is such a huge jump up in a difficulty for us as we were just playing the Kansa City Suite. I hope that I can make it through this. 🙏

[@funkybassymf132]

Listening to this makes me feel like the happiest person alive

[@sallemjazz1]

That's what playing piano in a large ensemble should sound like!

[@tdepunkemo]

Franck you're the man yourself! I love Out a Day. Thanks for that album!

[@Hello-jo7gj]

you tell it

[@soapbxprod]

SIR ROLAND of HANNA... THE VISCOUNT!

[@ttrumpetguy]

Frank, that's what playing in any large ensemble should be like!!! One of the best big bands ever! Many of the players directly from the Basie school, with a bit of harmonic updating, was a very fresh new sound in it's day! Example when the brass come in after the sax soli and then the shout soli with the whole band, that just wasn't ever done previously to my knowledge.

[@sallemjazz1]

@@ttrumpetguy Tony, old friend, so many years later, we're all still marvelled at Thads genius. Hope you're well!

[@marked55555]

...to me, Mr Jones' arrangements always possess the ultimate NYC big band sound...and the city in it's day. Fantastic! what a groove, as Q would say "...in the pocket!"

[@Anvanho]

2:44 GAWD!!! That left hand ascending chromatic scale Roland does right there! AND DOES IT IN OCTAVE!! Good Lord, that's a lightning fast wrist! . I'm a lifelong professional pianist - have been doing lots of jazz and classical - I've NEVER executed a riff like that! Not sure I ever could!

[@lachlanbarry6192]

Some Erlkonig technique in there for sure 😂

[@parisbutlermusicrealestate2900]

That bass player's got soul.

[@JACKSONPRYORBENNETT]

+Paris Butler Richard Davis

[@parisbutlermusicrealestate2900]

+Bass Kid to the shed

[@JACKSONPRYORBENNETT]

+Paris Butler Where else? haha

[@Momma1241]

Check out Van Morrison's "The Way Young Lovers Do." Davis is ineffable in that.

[@idahobar]

Recorded from a European tour in late 1969: Thad Jones, Mel Lewis (ldr), Jerry Dodgion (f, as), Jerome Richardson (as), Eddie Daniels, Joe Henderson (ts), Pepper Adams (bar), Danny Moore, Al Porcino, Marvin Stamm, Snooky Young (t), Thad Jones (fh), Jimmy Knepper, Benny Powell, Julian Priester (tb), Bob Burgess (btb), Roland Hanna (p), Richard Davis (b), Mel Lewis (d)

[@fdawei]

A gorgeous era of Big Bands

[@linlasj]

This is one of the best compositions ever for a big band.

[@skipparker3182]

one of the best big bands EVER

[@AlexanderSu-fd8zg]

I love you Thad Jones, My mom also loves you. 🎉

[@43carioca]

I was lucky to be living in New York City in late 60s and early 70s and go to the Village Vanguard on Monday nights and listen to this fantastic band...God bless them RIP Thad,Mel....

[@nicklangmusic]

One of the greatest, most musical drummers who ever lived. Mel not only knew every nook and cranny of the charts he was playing (which he had memorized), he knew exactly what to play to complement the music in just the right way, phrasing with the band, finding the right colors and picking the right cymbal every step of the way. And MAAAANNN, what a shuffle! I never realized until recently how studying Mel has paid so many dividends in all of my playing, even in music that isn't jazz or big band related! I would say every young jazz drummer should check him out, but every drummer in general should, too!

[@MegaBanne]

Yeah, a truly amazing drummer. Any drummer benefits from studying big band drumming and Mel is the best drummer to have ever worked in this field.

[@_david_aaron]

Man, Roland Hanna kills it so hard. Also, HUGE props to the bassist..I've never seen anyone do that.

[@Ekkie101]

Richard Davis

[@Jazzmaster58]

I've heard many different "Jazz" groups and big bands and the Thad Jones Mel Lewis big band in 1976 and i must say it was one of the most profound musical experiences of my life especially the ensemble written parts left me nailed to the floor.

[@soapbxprod]

YEAH BABAY!

[@kiddrizzydripz501]

A life like this sure is sweet

[@AJ7603]

I have to say, Thad Jones was one hell of a composer. I had the pleasure of playing this song with my band and it was a great experience.

[@jibsmokestack1]

Jerome Richardson composed this one

[@warwolfii]

I can't begin to tell you how many Monday nights I spent at the Village Vanguard listening to this great band.

[@HarryMack]

this is great!

[@aerez_ross]

This comment was 9 years ago. Wow

[@peterolaleye3903]

who is still watching this in 2019

[@Jr-ll9kk]

Every damn day

[@supreme7272]

me .....

[@willardjenkinsjr.7191]

@@Jr-ll9kk Interesting when a pinhead just doesn't get it!

[@aidanmay3944]

Who still has a fortnite pic in 2020

[@robert72744]

Me! (March 28th 2020 to be exact).

[@da19lila38]

What a talented family! Hank Jones, Thad Jones and Elvin Jones are all renowed jazz musicians...

[@davidstanton3868]

The big 3!

[@nicholasbouloukos]

Sir Roland Hanna is from another planet. The whole band is smoking. Just so great.

[@mixedwoodplain]

A beautiful moment happens during the Bass solo texturally, dynamically, rhythmically, and overall spiritually and soulfully between musicians.

[@linlasj]

...and that is Snooky Young on the first trumpet. He can not be missed. That straight tone in the upper register is there few people that can acheive.

[@vargaso]

Played this in HS jazz band, great tune. One of the best big bands ever, here. Incidentally, that's Bill Berry on 2nd trumpet. He later went on to lead the Monterey Jazz a Festival HS All Star bands throughout the 70s and 80s. I had the fortune of playing lead trumpet in the 1986 band. Great and hilarious guy.

[@jsmaal1]

Most perfect bigbandmusic. So great!

[@saraboatman9501]

this chart is CLEARLY so much fun to play, i could feel the energy even from decades later and through a screen

[@jeancourtioux1311]

Trente ans après, je pense encore que c'est le plus beau big Band et le plus grand arrangeur depuis l'avènement du jazz. Je ne me lasse jamais de réécouter tous les disques que je collectionne comme des bijoux. Merci Thad, Mel et le M.L.T.J. Big Band

[@sebastianaquino7454]

After years of being alone and not feeling like finding someone worthy… yesterday I had my first kiss with her and this was playing on my phone… Couldn’t be better. If you only knew how better things can be.

[@davidstanton3868]

Such a nice thought... thank you.

[@soapbxprod]

Village Vanguard, the 1970s... the HOUSE band... saw these cats so many times I can't remember! KILLER KILLER KILLER! YA YA YA! Max Gordon, the proprietor- fellow Reed College Alum! THANKS!

[@linlasj]

You are a lucky person!

[@soapbxprod]

Lars Olof Sjöström Thank you, Lars! Hello to you- one of my favorite people on the planet, Caroline Wingolf, lives in Göteborg, and works for Documix... she was my girlfriend in NYC in the 1970s- she's now a Grandmother- I'm still trying to come to terms with that! Happy New Year to You and Yours, Luke Sacher Praeses & Soapbox Productions Inc. VIVA BASIE... PS- are you also a Bebop lover? Here is my mother's first documentary film, about Joe Albany. Hope that you enjoy it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ_Yl3-HgsdpitE&google_comment_id=z12yjjnjdln2vlavd23ue5yirqecdfcyv04&google_view_type#gpluscomments

[@Johnnycdrums]

Dynamics ! Very tight. Loved Mel Lewis with Terry Gibbs also.

[@soapbxprod]

Johnnyc drums Ever see this? Frank Wess and Sweets Edison Big Band, Basie Tribute with Marshall Royal: v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTA1NjI5NDYw.html

[@Johnnycdrums]

***** : I have now! Love it!

[@juliawertz5282]

Big band swinging jazz is one of the few kinds of music that I just want to get up and dance to. These guys are a new discovery for me, and I’m so glad I got to hear this! I wish I could’ve lived in the time where I could go see them in person.

[@traijimeno3874]

Just so fantastic!

[@emilydahlstrom7578]

so much jazz! it's like a groovy merchant sold them all the groovy groove in the world!

[@connorshea9085]

Julia Wertz yep

[@soapbxprod]

+Emily Dahlstrom Groovilicious... :)

[@lowellthomasjr.468]

Such an All Star assemblage of jazz greats ! Sir Roland Hanna and what a band !

[@aidanlogan4384]

Richard Davis proving his endless versatility again, I came to this from Eric Dolphy and the Five Spot. He's so at home in such radically different sounds.

[@nachomamasax]

Listening to this group as a teenager was truly a spiritual experience for me. I was in a trance one time after practicing my alto when I heard the sax soli (4:02)Thank God for Thad Jones - Mel Lewis et al. Truly All-Star all Hall of Famer Band! Tony B.

[@SedonaMTB]

Mel is is the best drummer of his generation. I was a proffessional musician classical. But also played in jazz bands. In a league of his own. I appreciated his range, subtlty, dynamism.

[@somethinelse7]

The BEST piano solo of all time.

[@soapbxprod]

Sir Roland of Hanna, babay... :)

[@janwintz8137]

you are adorable, baaaaaby! 😘😘😘 This is mahvelous!!

[@janwintz8137]

you are adorable, baaaaaby! 😘😘😘 This is mahhhvelous!!

[@wilsor100]

You know ....... it really is

[@ihavegcc472]

watch sweet georgia brown by oscar peterson

[@linlasj]

This is a classic piece...every big band music player should try it. you will never forget it.

[@hometownrocker1]

This song brings back memories of my drum lesson's with RI's great jazz drummer Artie Cabral who turn all us on to great music. This was in his charts that we we learned. The best part of the lessons were when Artie would take out his vinyl and tell us to take it home and listen to it. This was song was one of my favorites.

[@ruudbergamin4361]

Good memories of the Great Thad Jones. A very inspiring man. I had the luck to play in a big band workshop under his direction, Denmark, 1979. A top experience.

[@gregbush608]

This makes me soooo happy!

[@GeorgeBurrito]

They had the most Groovin' sax section since Ellington. No comparison! 5 stars!

[@Spinellios]

7:40 is amazing. you can see how much thad loves the music just in his conducting! its such a great video I've watched it about 50 times...today

[@robertreedy414]

Sooooo killin on every level.

[@dandiacal]

Sir Roland Hanna was one of those pianists who knew all the jazz styles and played all of the piano!

[@daplace902]

Wow - what marvelous Piano !

[@colourfulwithaU]

Best performance from a horn section that I've ever seen. Seriously. Wow.

[@linlasj]

The opportunity to have been able to actually see this band playing live every time they were in Stockholm was great. They are simply the best. They are. And the arrangements and compositions is outstanding. I am so glad that youtube is here to bring them on again.

[@mikeos1]

I saw this band at Ronnie's around the same time. What an experience.

[@jerryj920]

Mar.28th: Happy birthday Jazz trumpeter-Composer-Bandleader Thaddeus Joseph "Thad" Jones (1923-1986) The Count Basie Orchestra, The Jazz Messengers. Thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the upload, Bob Hardy. Blessings

[@linlasj]

This band simply is the best. It is just the way it is.

[@ESTELLESESE]

Le meilleur du big band, l essence meme du jazz dans ce au il a à la fois de plus sophistique et spontane

[@soapbxprod]

SANS BLAGUE, mon ami. ;)

[@Forken24]

Man this song is sick!!!! We're currently playing it in our high school jazz band and I'm 2nd alto saxophone and that soli is driving me crazy but I'm sure we're gonna nail it in April for competition.

[@saxyviolist]

Always love watching and listening to this

[@linlasj]

This sax chorus is also outstanding. It is great.

[@harrysmallenburg2353]

Man, the sax soli is so velevety.

[@caquish]

With Joe Henderson on Tenor is the summer of '69 tour. Thank you Bob for this!!!

[@twdaisydctre]

Oh....Absolutely magnificent!!! WOW!!!!

[@cornellfauler4396]

So very authentic, some gratitude for this great music ,Thank You Musicians for being so giving!

[@fredericgress6943]

Qu'es que c'est bon, good sic...I like the smile of the Bassist....

[@scottmelamerson4177]

NICE TO HEAR MY FAVORITE JAZZ BIB BAND AGAIN, UNTOUCHABLE!!

[@macree01]

Eddie Bert on lead trombone, and looks like Jimmy Knepper on solo chair. Man, what a trombone section.

[@goodlife6145]

Sir Roland Hanna's playing is superb.

[@lipsman92]

These guys are so chill. I love it!

[@davidobrienii]

Rare example of Joe Henderson playing with this band. It's unfortunate that there's not more recorded material of his tenure with this band.

[@microapple97]

I'm getting tired of people making stupid comments about great music

[@JoeClark1]

Wow. This is an amazing find. Great musicianship; made my day!

[@philpryor7524]

I never did numbers or lists, just levels or standards, or champions in their time, field, against others.., so this is such a great band, so happy, thrilling, quality, precision, that it is one of the greats, absolutely...

[@zephaniarutlokwana2891]

Jazz, a black find, soothes every race on earth and that says a lot about black peole. Jazz adds and enhance my healthy pride in being black, however not belittling others because they are moved by Jazz too.

[@PowerSalad]

My jazz education was Thad, Billy Byers, Sammy Nestico etc thanks to a hip band prof! This band was "epitome" on so many levels, from the status of each performer in his own right to Thad's unsurpassed writing, Mel's groove and taste, etc. I was too young to see the band in its time, but I'm so lucky I got a chance to meet and talk with Thad after a Basie concert in 1985 after he returned to the US. Class gentleman and one of the top of the top composers in jazz. Thanks so much for posting this!

[@ronaldunkel2681]

Fantastic powerful big band with their utterly swinging signature tune. Can’t ask for much more. Dig & Cheers!

[@pricelesspistola321]

Oh MAN! The saxes are killin' it! Love this song. thanks a million for putting it up!

[@-alwsme]

hey man

[@jony2803]

best song...it's just amazing

[@3rdsamdan]

What a pleasure to hear this band again.

[@jazzisgr8]

That would be amazing! Eddie Bert is my father and he is still working and his chops are in great shape. I am sure he would be thrilled. He loved being in this band!

[@kerrycarnohan2480]

...I met your father @ Deerhead Inn; sat next to him at the bar. A very nice cat.

[@spadge1able]

JUST FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Thundermonkeyms]

Just saw the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (used to be the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra) play this song a couple weeks ago. I was in heaven, this is one of my favorites of theirs! :)

[@scottmelamerson4177]

Love the tempo settle during the soli. So great

[@sagellivokin]

How have a barely heard of this ensemble? Excellent.

[@bobbrooks5608]

Awesome playing by a classic big band! Hooray to hear that again!

[@Gwer98]

Thanks Bob for a great cut.

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Awsome Mel Lewis and Roland Hanna! One of the best lead trumpeters ever, Al Porcino!

[@Herman-wh3mr]

This is soooo great 🙂

[@echoftw]

i love this video so much... i could watch it on loop, like a movie

[@fdawei]

Roland Hanna --just WOW!!!!

[@stefanoangeloni8855]

so well performed

[@dandiacal]

And you know, after all that time Thad's writing NEVER gets old.

[@themak799]

This is some quality grooves

[@txt315]

Those soli's are insane...

[@robertailman5092]

Never heard this before! OMG - this IS what I'm talkin' about - good gawd, I'm just blown away by the arrangement and the musicianship - what a treat. goes to the head of the fav's chart.

[@jeebuscrise4482]

2020 and a song from a decade ago by Jill Scott "Brotha", lead me to this dynamic orchestra. I was 4 when this popped on the scene.

[@pauloteixeira9427]

Such a pleasure TJ!