The view from the back of the band [electronic resource] : the life and music of Mel Lewis / by Chris Smith.

Based on: Thesis (D.A.)--University of Northern Colorado, 2012.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Foreword: 'Uncle Mel' by John Mosca -- Preface -- Born a drummer -- Mel meets New York City -- Brookmeyer and Kenton's initial offer -- Kenton presents Mel Lewis -- Contemporary concepts and Thad Jones -- Life in Los Angeles -- Terry Gibbs and 'The tailor' -- Webster and Mulligan -- Mel's new cymbal and Europe with Dizzy -- The Soviet Union and a move East -- Back in the Big Apple -- Thad and Mel get their opening -- Opening night at the Village Vanguard -- The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra and Solid State -- Thad and Mel hit the road, and the road hits back -- The youth movement -- Ten years at the Village Vanguard / The road family -- Thad leaves for Denmark -- Mel Lewis and the Jazz Orchestra -- The musical mentor -- Twenty years at the Vanguard / A new fight -- Hello and goodbye -- Memories of Mel -- Afterword: 'Mel's example' by John Riley -- Transcriptions and listening guides -- Mel Lewis equipment timeline -- Selected discography -- Notes.

Description based on print version record.