In February 1962, “Impulse!” label released “The Quintessence”, album by Quincy Jones and his Orchestra album (the eleventh Quincy Jones album overall). It was recorded November – December 1961, at “Capitol Studios” in New York City, and was produced by Bob Thiele.

Personnel:

• Phil Woods, Oliver Nelson, Eric Dixon, Frank Wess, Jerome Richardson – saxophone
• Ernie Royal, Snooky Young, Freddie Hubbard, Al Derisi, Snooky Young, Joe Newman, Thad Jones, Jerome Kail, Clyde Reasinger, Clark Terry – trumpet
• Billy Byers, Curtis Fuller, Thomas Mitchell, Melba Liston, Billy Byers, Paul Faulise, Rodney Levitt – trombone
• Julius Watkins, James Buffington, Earl Chapin, Ray Alonge – French horn
• Harvey Phillips – tuba
• Gloria Agostini – harp
• Patricia Bown – piano
• Bobby Scott – piano
• George Catlett – bass
• Milt Hinton – bass
• James Johnson – drums
• Bill English – drums
• Stu Martin – drums
• Frank Abbey – engineer
• Bob Arnold – engineer
• Robert Flynn – design
• Pete Turner – cover photography
• Jack Bradley – liner photography
• Lena Horn – liner notes
• Lennie Hayton – liner notes

Track listing:

1. The Quintessence – Quincy Jones
2. Robot Portrait – Billy Byers
3. Little Karen – Benny Golson
4. Straight, No Chaser – Thelonious Monk
5. For Lena and Lennie – Quincy Jones
6. Hard Sock Dance – Quincy Jones
7. Invitation – Bronisław Kaper, Paul Francis Webster
8. The Twitch – Billy Byers