Actually when I joined it was the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis band (later it became Mel's band and I stayed on for 1-1/2 years). I also played with Sam Rivers big band, Slide Hampton's big band and Cecil Taylor's big band (as well as a small big band with Paul Jefferies - Monk arranger). Before I lived in NY, when I lived in Chicago I played in many big bands, but Thad's band was the one I wanted to join early on. I learned a great deal from Thad and from Sam Rivers and Cecil Taylor (even though that was only one week). A good Big Band is an invaluable experience for young players.
Steve Coleman
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Welcome to the mad house known as Organissimo.