Additional Programs and Education.....
In addition to this wonderful recording that adventerously explores the music of Thad Jones - this project is also geared toward our educational programming. Using Thad's music as a 'springboard', the artists in the NYJAZZ Ensemble work closely with collegiate and high school ensembles to dive deep into the art of improvisation, communicative ensemble playing, arranging, and composition.
Contact our Artistic Director, Rob Derke, to inquire about participation in our upcoming programs or having this ensemble in-residence at your school or institution for clinics, masterclasses, and/or performances.
with...
Rob Derke, David Smith, Ralph Lalama, Steve Wilson, Sam Burtis, Carlo De Rosa, Art Hirahara, Eric McPherson, David Bryant, and Mark Meyers
arrangements by...
Rob Derke, Justin Flynn, and Toby Wine
Recorded June 2010 @ Bennett Studios
Mixed and Mastered by Gene Paul and Jamie Polaski @ G and J Audio
PERFORMANCE
EDUCATION
MEDIA
our newest release...
Mad About Thad
Spring 2011
"Thad Jones had a sound that is timeles. On his horn and through his music his ideas were profound and personal, and it is evident that his impact and inspiration are strong and clear on 'Mad About Thad'. The NYJAZZ Ensemble plays with perfection, as the new orchestrations by Rob Derke of some of Thad's most beautiful compositions are full of wonderful solos by some of today’s most expressive musicians on the NY scene, especially Ralph Lalama and Rob Derke on tenors and Steve Wilson on alto.
"In my career I've had the great opportunity to learn and explore Thad's music as a part of the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (1980 - 1991 ), The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine, and most recently with Hank Jones ( 2000 - 2010 ), the elder of the three distinguished and legendary brothers. Hank and Elvin loved to play Thad's tunes, and both thought he was a genius of modern music with his self taught approach in composition and orchestration.The smiles on their faces were infectious when playing or listening to Thad’s tunes, just as it is on mine while digging this recording. I'm 'Mad About Thad' as well."
- Joe Lovano, October 2010
"The band manages to be faithful to Thad Jones' vision, while remaining creative with the arrangements. The pas de deux between Rob Derke's soprano saxophone and Sam Burtis' tuba brings out the best in "Bird Song" and the horn writing on "Elusive" makes this band sound far bigger than they actually are. Six other tracks reside between those two pieces, and each one offers great musical riches."
"One of the things that marked much of the Jones oeuvre was an impish sense of humor, and that comes through in these arrangements by Derke, Justin Flynn and Toby Wine. There is wonderful ensemble playing, but the solos are what make this album special. These are all wonderfully imaginative players, and they are given ample space to stretch out. Listening to the music of Thad Jones is always a treat, and Mad About Thad is a feast of fun for those who love new jazz writing played with gusto by creative musicians."
- Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz, 2011
"CD discovery of the week: Thad Jones' music is always more complicated than you expect—and much more melodic. All of this is brilliantly handled by the NYJAZZ Initiative on their new CD, Mad About Thad. Case in point is Bird Song, arranged by Rob Derke. Or Lady Luck, charted by Justin Flynn. All of the album's compositions by Jones are arranged with the master in mind, and the results are quite something."
- Marc Myers, JazzWax, 2011
"A great job of capturing Thad’s spirit. A smart crew of players that know the ropes pull this together in fine fashion. A living, breathing set that really cooks. Hot stuff."
- Chris Spector, Midwest Record, 2011
