The Magnificent Thad Jones (Rudy Van Gelder Edition) (1956)

"In 1956, trumpeter Thad Jones was making his way forward as a leader and apart from his important role with the Count Basie Orchestra, having recorded for some smaller labels. But this release for Blue Note most firmly established him as one of the premier musicians and composers in modern jazz; it's titled "Magnificent" for many great reasons. There are several precedents set here; the initial foray out of Detroit for the young pianist and fellow Michiganian Barry Harris, the identifying of a personalized small group, as well as individual sound of Jones, and his ability to easily bring great jazz icons together as a team. With Detroit's Billy Mitchell on tenor sax, Percy Heath's bass, and stellar drummer Max Roach, this quintet makes truly great jazz music together. The musicianship being at such a lofty plateau, so intelligently selected and executed, this CD is generally regarded as the very best work of Jones, later big-band recordings with Mel Lewis notwithstanding. " (Michael G. Nastos, Allmusic)