Jazz icon Mel Lewis represents what American Big Band music is all about in this exclusive performance. The consummate professional, Lewis garnered 14 Grammy nominations and played with a sensitivity and feeling that propelled him into one of the Jazz world's best and most respected drummers, arranger and Big Band leader..

Mel's standout 3-piece rhythm section serves as a band-within-a-band, maintaining the flow of energy, while giving constant support and direction. As a leader, Lewis is regarded for his ability to make a big band swing like a Bebop quartet. His unselfish and innovative approach to Big Band music prominently displays his players by allowing them a creative and expansive freedom to solo. Despite Lewis' decision to rarely solo himself, his innate sense of timing and dynamic cymbal work seamlessly complimented soloists without overwhelming them in a fashion that helped form a cohesive big band unit.

In 1965, after touring the world with Benny Goodman and Dizzy Gillespie respectively, Lewis and trumpeter Thad Jones formed the big band that would become an unforgettable part of the Jazz narrative and ensure their status with the Jazz elite. Started from informal jam sessions, The Thad Jones / Mel Lewis Big Band would grow into one of the top big bands of all-time, most famously playing every Monday night at New York's famed Village Vanguard. Lewis' ensemble proved they had more staying power than most of the groups of the "big-band era," carrying the torch of American Big Band Jazz for nearly 4 decades.

Arkadia Concerts is proud to bring Mel Lewis' impeccably legacy to life, recorded live from Jerusalem. This wonderful performance showcases the very best in American Big Band Music and the man who faithfully transformed Monday nights into a Jazz requisite.

🎵 Concert Setlist:
00:08 - I'm Getting Sentimental over You
05:52 - Mel Lewis introduces the band
06:45 - Ding Dong Ding
18:59 - I Get A Kick Over You (feat. Lynn Roberts)
21:28 - I Wanna Be Happy (feat. Lynn Roberts)
24:57 - Little Pixie

🎺 MEL LEWIS & HIS JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Saxophones: Joe Lovano, Billy Drews, Dick Oatts, Ralph Lalama, Gary Smulyan
Trumpets: Chris Albert, Joe Mosello, Ron Tooley, Jim Powell
Trombones: Doug Purviance, Brac McDougal, John Mosca, Ed Neumeister
French Horn: Sarah Larson
Vocalist: Lynn Roberts
Bass: Dennis Irwin
Piano: Phil Markowitz
Drums: Mel Lewis

⏱️ DURATION: 38.53 minutes

⏺️ WHO IS ARKADIA CONCERTS?
Arkadia Concerts is a branch of the Award-Winning Record and Video labels, Arkadia Records & VIEW, offering the very best in Jazz, Pop, World Music and Performing Arts since 1981. We are proud that no less than 51 NEA Jazz Masters have recorded on our Arkadia Records labels.