Scott Robinson Plays the Compositions of Thad Jones

Multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson did not perform with Thad Jones, but was a member of the Mel Lewis Orchestra that carried on after Jones passed away. This CD, comprising a complete program of compositions Jones penned, is a loving and well conceived tribute to the bop trumpeter and progressive big band icon. Robinson plays no less than 14 different instruments, mostly woodwinds, but surprisingly not trumpet, cornet on only one, and flugelhorn on another composition. In his later years, Jones was not as well known for playing the trumpet or cornet that he cut his teeth on, but became one of the most prolific composers in the modern jazz era. Robinson has chosen a few very familiar tunes, and several lesser-known pieces that serve not as filler, but pieces even the jazz-minded public should be more familiar with. In that sense, it's a job very well done. The variation of instrumentations is staggering, but the thorny, craggy contrabass sarrusophone is most disarming during the hard and fast "Fingers" contrasted by overdubbed soprano sax and flute, and the funky "Greetings and Salutations," a staple of the Thad & Mel book. There are three tracks recorded back in 1992 featuring Mike LeDonne on the organ and Robinson on the bass saxophone, and of those, the Jones evergreen "Three and One," works best — a witty idea for this hard bop classic. Another solid bop vehicle, "Interloper" has Robinson on tenor sax, and he plays well in a post-Lester Young mode. Veteran pianist Richard Wyands shines on nine selections, especially on his solo during "Fingers," the lone tune where Robinson plays cornet in his own call and response for "Walkin' About," and the flute-led swinger "Quietude." The legendary ballad penned by Jones "A Child Is Born" has Robinson playing the lead melody on the theremin, and at best it displays an eerie feeling, somewhat counteracted by Wyands' lovely piano and an overdubbed bare-bones alto clarinet sub-line, and stands out above and beyond the other tracks. The musicianship on this recording is staggeringly diverse, mostly tasteful, and gives a good overview of the repertoire of Thad Jones from a learned and studious, not necessarily populist standpoint. It's a consistently intriguing tribute by Robinson, and comes easily recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, Rovi