Charles Mingus Music

Along with its more famous sister session, 'John Handy at Monterey' - this incredible jam represents the best of that glorious era of San Francisco jazz of the psychedelic sixties - an era which glows ever more brightly as it recedes into the past. Jazz is played here as it should be - spontaneous and free - not as much driven as moody - wildly swinging from the brusque and absurd to the delicate and wondorously complex within seconds - John Handy and Mingus are at the height of their powers - accompanied by the now legendary pianist Jane Getz - in a rare recording. You won't go wrong with this one.

When I first heard this session I was sold. This was my first Mingus LP, but at a certain point it was worn out. So the reissue on CD was of course a must, because this is Mingus at his best. A very sensitive and lyrical recording, sometimes exploding in aggressive and violent and mean blues. The ever-changing tempo and Mingus roaring and hummin' and shouting directions of the music in the back, this is LIVE. Jane Getz on piano is very intense, and of course John Handy with his characteristic cry. Go get this recording. And you'd better get hit in your soul.

I've been looking for this album for nearly thirty years! After hearing it often in the late sixties (at a friend's house), I was left with the memory of jazz-playing at its' best - always honest, lyrical and inventive; at times thunderous, humorous, dark and sensual, sad, ecstatic, all of these and more. So I've found it again through amazon.com, and it's every bit as good as I remember! OK, jazz just can't be described, so get a copy, and you won't be disappointed.

Robert, 16th April, 1999

It's too bad this one is so rare, it's quite good. Slop is probably the best known track, and is Get It In Yer Soul's little cousin. Song With Orange is underrated (the liner notes call it one of Mingus's less memorable tunes) and makes nice use of muted brass. Gunsling Bird, fully called, "If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger, There'd Be a Lot of Dead Copycats", so you can guess it's a tribute piece. Things Ain't What They Used to Be and Mood Indigo are two lengthy Ellington covers, the former being my favorite Ellington piece. Far Wells, Mill Valley has an awesome title but is an okay song.
Hands down, the best piece here is the title track, "The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife Are Some Jive A** Slippers", a nine-and-a-half minute suite of sorts with an ever-changing tempo and great harmonies during the second part.
Although my sources say you can pick up all but Shoes on Mingus Dynasty and can find Shoes on Let My Children Hear Music, this is cheaper than two albums and is great jazz by one of the masterminds besides.

It's too bad this one is so rare, it's quite good. Slop is probably the best known track, and is Get It In Yer Soul's little cousin. Song With Orange is underrated (the liner notes call it one of Mingus's less memorable tunes) and makes nice use of muted brass. Gunsling Bird, fully called, "If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger, There'd Be a Lot of Dead Copycats", so you can guess it's a tribute piece. Things Ain't What They Used to Be and Mood Indigo are two lengthy Ellington covers, the former being my favorite Ellington piece. Far Wells, Mill Valley has an awesome title but is an okay song.
Hands down, the best piece here is the title track, "The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife Are Some Jive A** Slippers", a nine-and-a-half minute suite of sorts with an ever-changing tempo and great harmonies during the second part.
Although my sources say you can pick up all but Shoes on Mingus Dynasty and can find Shoes on Let My Children Hear Music, this is cheaper than two albums and is great jazz by one of the masterminds besides.

It's too bad this one is so rare, it's quite good. Slop is probably the best known track, and is Get It In Yer Soul's little cousin. Song With Orange is underrated (the liner notes call it one of Mingus's less memorable tunes) and makes nice use of muted brass. Gunsling Bird, fully called, "If Charlie Parker Was a Gunslinger, There'd Be a Lot of Dead Copycats", so you can guess it's a tribute piece. Things Ain't What They Used to Be and Mood Indigo are two lengthy Ellington covers, the former being my favorite Ellington piece. Far Wells, Mill Valley has an awesome title but is an okay song.
Hands down, the best piece here is the title track, "The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife Are Some Jive A** Slippers", a nine-and-a-half minute suite of sorts with an ever-changing tempo and great harmonies during the second part.
Although my sources say you can pick up all but Shoes on Mingus Dynasty and can find Shoes on Let My Children Hear Music, this is cheaper than two albums and is great jazz by one of the masterminds besides.

i had a lot of trouble trying to get this in my country,especally on original format(vhs)so i tracked down a copy on dvd,it was a trip back in time,it was a great doco,however i didnt think it was as good as i expected,but i still think its worth a look at,but i dont think its worth the high prices the vhs copys go for..

If you are looking for a terrific example of Mingus' music, do not buy this. However, if you are interested in watching a good 'art' film set to good music, then check this out. I would recommend this video to music and film lovers, however you must have an open mind. The use of Mingus' music is very delicate, yet effective. It is slow to start, so do not discount it in the first 5 minutes. A worthy buy, but not essential for Mingus fans.

As a former NYC master graffiti artist (circa 1971-74) I can attest to the fact that this movie is without peer. A historic document that brings back such strong memories of my very early youth sometimes I can't watch the whole thing without a brake.

after hearing stories of this movie i purchased this and was dumbfounded !! being an avid railfan, graffiti fan i was amazed how this movie is so obscure and not really heard of ... i personally like this better than "style wars" due to the rare footage of subway graffiti unavailable anywhere else "vandalism" at it heyday ...love it or hate it's art and here to stay !! although i personally think the movie should have strictly focused on the subway graffiti because who wants to see old burger king or suntan ads... alas graffiti on the subways no longer runs ...and this is a very rare look into very hard to find rare footage of the "subway art movement" it has gone the way of the buffalo....brings back that oldschool feeling ! sorry to say the mingus music comes second to the "heaven is life" "and earth is HELL" masterpiece running like it did thru the boogie down !

I saw this, years ago, and NEVER forgot it. The disclaimer should be that this is NOT a music video for Mingus (although I think he would've approved of the outcome, as it is very much in the tradition of his playing) it is also not your standard graffiti or train enthusiast's documentary, but all of these elements come together in this beautiful and patient film. The director repeatedly creates both fascinating and absurd comparisons by focusing on the most subtle details in the landscape. This is a true work of art! There are also some stunning shots of the South Bronx in it's darkest days. Highly recommended for artists working in any medium who are concerned with urban life.