Jones, Thad: Once Around

Fast Swing

Our 4th offering in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Signature Editions, is Once Around. This fast swing advanced level chart was among the first charts Thad Jones wrote for the new band in 1966, as a more modern contrast to the Basie-oriented arrangements that were in the band’s early repertoire. Early 1960’s forays into more open, modal jazz forms by Miles Davis and John Coltrane had turned the jazz world upside down in just a few years, prompting many artists to expand from bebop-oriented ii-V-I chord structures. This arrangement was one of Thad Jones’ responses to that trend. This piece is a wide-open vehicle for improvisation. There are multiple open solo sections, each with extended improvisation opportunities.