Search 'Mingus'
MINGUS MOVES (Album of the Day)
Among jazz history's most imposing figures, Charles Mingus blazed trails as a bassist, composer and bandleader. After a decade at other labels, he returned to Atlantic Records and producer Nesuhi Ertegun for MINGUS MOVES, which ranks as a late-career high point. His new combo on the 1973 collection included pianist Don Pullen, saxophonist George Adams and trumpeter Ronald Hampton, with drummer Dannie Richmond back in the fold after several years away – and they're clearly on the same wavelength as their leader. The set pairs such outstanding Mingus originals as “Canon,” “Opus 3” and “Opus 4” with tracks by the rest of the group, all of which provide plenty of space for stellar instrumental work. Charles Mingus was born on this day in 1922, and in his honor we’ll give MINGUS MOVES another spin.
MINGUS MOVES (Album of the Day)
Among jazz history's most imposing figures, Charles Mingus blazed trails as a bassist, composer and bandleader. After a decade at other labels, he returned to Atlantic Records and producer Nesuhi Ertegun for MINGUS MOVES, which ranks as a late-career high point. His new combo on the 1973 collection included pianist Don Pullen, saxophonist George Adams and trumpeter Ronald Hampton, with drummer Dannie Richmond back in the fold after several years away – and they're firing on all cylinders throughout. The set pairs such outstanding Mingus originals as “Canon,” “Opus 3” and “Opus 4” with tracks by the rest of the group, all of which provide plenty of space for stellar instrumental work. Transferred from the original half-inch four-channel masters, the new Quadio issue of MINGUS MOVES sounds better than ever.
Pithecanthropus Erectus (Album of the Day)
Three (Album of the Day)
A legendary composer, bandleader and bassist, Charles Mingus had many albums to his credit but few that featured the intimate setting of THREE. As its title suggests, there are just two others here – pianist Hampton Hawes and drummer Dannie Richmond – but it's the quality of the players, not the quantity, that counts. Recorded in New York City one July day in 1957, the Jubilee set is pretty down-to-earth by Mingus standards, hewing closely to melody and giving each instrumentalist space to make his mark. Along with fine versions of such familiar tunes as “Summertime” and “Laura,” there are a pair of Mingus originals (“Back Home Blues” and “Dizzy Moods”) and one penned by Hawes. THREE has just been reissued, and it's a worthy addition to any jazz collection.
Me, Myself, an Eye (Album of the Day)
Among jazz's all-time greats, Charles Mingus made seminal contributions to the music as a bassist, bandleader and composer. Released 40 years ago this month, ME MYSELF AN EYE was recorded near the end of Mingus' career, when the ravages of ALS left him unable to play. But his forceful personality was ever-present in the studio, bringing the best out of the big band assembled for these sessions, and his tapes and piano sketches provided the basis for Jack Walrath's arrangements. Opening the set is the side-long “Three Worlds Of Drums,” on which longtime Mingus band member Danny Richmond is joined by fellow drummers Steve Gadd and Joe Chambers. With guitar and electronic instrumentation in places, the Atlantic collection touches on fusion, and axeman Larry Coryell is another luminary heard on the superb ME MYSELF AN EYE.
Live At Carnegie Hall Deluxe Edition (Album of the Day)
Among the most important figures in 20th century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, band leader and composer. LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL shows the jazz icon's skills to remarkable effect – along with the talents of such players as saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk, pianist Don Pullen and trumpeter Jon Faddis. Recorded on January 19, 1974, the Atlantic collection was initially released as a single LP with one long track per side (“C Jam Blues” and “Perdido”), leaving most of the concert on the cutting room floor. In honor of Black Music Month, the new 2-CD LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL DELUXE EDITION presents the complete performance in its original order for the first time with more than 72 minutes of unreleased material.