"The Magnificent Thad Jones" is widely regarded as the greatest small group recording of the trumpeter and composer’s career. Following his Blue Note debut "Detroit – New York Junction" in March 1956, Jones returned to the studio in July to record this supremely swinging date with Billy Mitchell on tenor saxophone, Barry Harris on piano, Percy Heath on bass, and Max Roach on drums. The album opens with an iconic performance of “April In Paris,” a reprise of the famous version featuring Jones that the Count Basie Orchestra had cut the previous year, complete with the trumpeter’s sly “Pop Goes The Weasel” quote. Other highlights of the set include two Jones originals—the laid-back “Billie-Doo” and lightly swinging “Thedia”—as well as the stunning ballad “If Someone Had Told Me.”

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is mono, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. Single Sleeve.

Tracklist:

The Magnificent Thad Jones (1956) 

A1. April in Paris
A2. Billie-Doo
A3. If I Love Again
B1. If Someone Had Told Me
B2. Thedia

Thad Jones: Trumpet
Percy Heath: Bass
Billy Mitchell: Tenor Saxophone
Max Roach: Drums
Barry Harris: Piano