Requisites

Motor City Scene ~ Thad Jones Sextet | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s record submitted for your consideration is Motor City Scene (United Artists UAL 4025/UAS 5025) by The Thad Jones Sextet. It hit the stores in 1959 and consists of tunes composed by the leader. Thad comes from a musical family; both his brothers were excellent musicians. His older brother Hank was a consummate pianist, and his younger brother Elvin was a dynamic drummer whose birthday was recently observed on September 9. The ensemble is Thad Jones on cornet (tracks: A1, B1, B2), and flugelhorn (track: A2), Al Grey on trombone, Billy Mitchell on tenor sax, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums. The copy used in this report is a friend’s US original Mono deep groove album.

Side One gets underway with Let’s Play One, an easy-going blues that Tommy opens with a brief introduction that evolves into the sextet’s collective theme. Tommy starts the solos with a relaxing presentation, next Al comes in for a laid-back statement. Billy steps up next to give a marvelous reading, then Thad contributes a very pleasant presentation. Paul walks leisurely into the finale preceding the ensemble’s finish. Minor on Top picks up the pace gradually on the group’s lightly-swinging melody. Thad leads off with a charming flugelhorn statement, then Billy hits a relaxed groove on the next solo. Paul constructs a delicious bass performance next. Al delivers the next reading with absolute assurance, followed by Tommy and Elvin who share an attractive exchange into the closing chorus.

Like Old Times takes the tempo up a few notches to start Side Two with the front line leading a brisk melody. Billy takes the lead this time with a swinging solo. Tommy says his piece next in a rollicking reading. Al romps through a lively presentation next. Elvin makes a brief appearance, followed by Paul who puts together a passionate performance. Thad gets the last word and cooks on muted cornet leading to the sextet’s ending. No Refill begins with a soft introduction by Elvin segueing into the sextet’s soothing opening chorus. Thad’s first solo on muted cornet is restrained in its mood of gentle warmth and graciousness. Billy handles the second statement discreetly, and Tommy adds the exclamation point with a thoughtful performance ahead of the sextet’s ending theme and slowly fades into silence.

Motor City Scene was produced by Tom Wilson, and the man behind the dials was Lewis Merritt. I was impressed with the sound quality of the recording. The album has a superb soundstage with vivid sonics. The instruments emerge from your speakers as if the sextet’s playing in front of your favorite chair and the record is quiet for its age. Thad and his colleagues are in excellent form throughout, and this album highlights Thad’s ability as a composer. If you’re a Hard-Bop fan, I invite you to check out Motor City Scene by The Thad Jones Sextet, the next time you’re out shopping for records. It may be hard to find, as the few LPs I’ve seen online are already at collector’s prices, but your diligence will be rewarded with a great album for your library that’s highly recommended!

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