Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra: To You - A Tribute to Mel Lewis

TO YOU A TRIBUTE TO MEL LEWIS liner notes

Six months ago I was writing notes for Mel's final album, made in Germany with the Cologne Radio Big Band. Now I am writing words for the first venture without his guiding light, feeling lonesome but determined that we all shall continue. He wanted us to and would wish that we all settle down and get the next act under way, with dedication, warmth, humor and enough words to keep the wolves at bay. Perhaps the greatest gift an irreplaceable one can give us is another who will help us to move on. Mel has given us Dennis Mackrel, selected and trained by Mel to take his place. Dick Oatts and John Mosca now handle the artistic direction and public speaking respectively, although to supplant Mel as a bandstand orator is probably an impossible task. Musical direction is shared among the writers so the band remains fundamentally what it has become over the past years -- a true family business. Lewis wanted it that way and, now that they are fully orphaned, they are learning to fly solo, together.