Charles Mingus Music

A rare intimate trio setting. Had to call a friend of mine to find out who's on this one. There seems to be a dearth of information on this session. My pal says Hampton Hawes Piano Danny Richmond Drums which sounds correct to me but please correct me if I'm wrong. Pretty straigh ahead with a bluesy flavor to it. Good for those who wish to hear a more stripped down Charles. I saw him once. He had some fingers on him. His compositions and arrangements are his true forte I think so 4 stars. Impossible to give Mr. Mingus anything less than that. He stubbed out cigar butts at 3.5 stars.

though i like some jazz, i am not a big jazz fan, however, i bought this cd on the recommendation of "12 yr old" jazz fan. i must admit that this is a fabulous album.

This is a terrific cd. Charlie Mingus is maybe the greatest jazz bass players ever to play. this is by far one of his greatest cds. The drumming is terrific as is the bass and the rest of the instruments used. Trust me on this cd although I am only 13 I know a lot about jazz music, so if you are a true jazz fan listen to this cd it is a truly great one.

San Francisco is where I experienced it in the wails on the streets outside by Market Street window late at night when the rain was pouring down and the saxophone cried me to sleep, knowing that it knew me. How am I any different from "Joe" who didn't have one dime and lived in a corner bar to make it through the next day. A kind of reverence overcame me as I made my way through the years of hardship myself struggling to remember the peace that only Mingus could bring to me. And although I could pay my rent, I too was scarred by a hungry soul and a humanity that couldn't find its place. But Mingus found it.

San Francisco is where I experienced it in the wails on the streets outside my Market Street window late at night when the rain was pouring down and the saxophone cried me to sleep, knowing that it knew me. How was I any different from "Joe" who didn't have one dime and lived in a corner bar to make it through the next day. A kind of reverence overcame me as I made my way through the years of hardship myself struggling to remember the peace that only Mingus could bring to me. And although I could pay my rent, I too was scarred by a hungry soul and a humanity that couldn't find its place. But Mingus found it.

San Francisco is where I experienced it in the wails on the streets outside my Market Street window late at night when the rain was pouring down and the saxophone cried me to sleep, knowing that it knew me. How was I any different from "Joe" who didn't have one dime and lived in a corner bar to make it through the next day. A kind of reverence overcame me as I made my way through the years of hardship myself struggling to remember the peace that only Mingus could bring to me. And although I could pay my rent, I too was scarred by a hungry soul and a humanity that couldn't find its place. But Mingus found it.

....with Dr. Groothius! Whilst I may not agree in total, regarding today's culture "vacuum," I do agree that there is far too little brilliant musical "art" extant in the venues creating same today! Nonetheless, this sonically superb live recording is nothing short of genius,.. whatever the time frame. If you are a jazz aficianado and especially, if your favor Mssrs. Mingus and/or Dolphy you MUST OWN this incredible example of Audio Jazz NIRVANA!

This was one of Mingus's best bands, captured live before an attentive and involved audience in 1960. Eric Dolphy, reed and flute wizard, figures prominently throughout, but all the musicians are engaged and highly animated. The musical chemistry is palpable.

Charles Mingus was an explosive person. He was known for a bad temper, but could verbally cheer on fellow musicians in touching and exhilerating manner. You can hear him do so throughout the pieces.

The group arrangements are challenging and sometimes complex, with several tempos changes and unexpected ensemble forms, all of which I find deeply satisfying and worthy of repeated listening.

The group was in top form, the music is essential Mingus. I am thankful these beautiful moments were preserved for us, some forty years later in midst of our aesthetically impoverished culture.

Douglas Groothuis

THe recording quality of this is not up the standards set by Mingus' prior Columbia releases, but if you are content to listen to Bird and the Duke, you are used to it, eh?

Apart from the sound quality, the playing is super intense and masterful. Mingus, Dolphy(alto), Clifford Jordan (tenor), Jaki Byard (piano), and Danny Richmond (drums)surely strut their stuff, boasting an incredible 40 plus minute rendition of "Fables of Faubus," along with Duke's "Sophisticated Lady," and an obscurity, "ATFW USA."

For this period, the REVENGE set is more thorough, but this version of "Fables" is by far superior.