Thursday 23 July 2009

From Antibes to a New York Penthouse with Mingus

From Antibes to a New York Penthouse with Mingus
The year 1960 saw Mingus record five great albums, three released in 1960, one in 1961 and one in 1980. The 1961 release was the result of his collaboration with conductor and musicologist Gunther Schuller and entitled Pre-Bird Mingus. The album released in 1980 was the live set at the Antibes Jazz Festival.

Sunday 19 July 2009

The famous 1959 Mingus albums

The famous 1959 Mingus albums
These are albums which show a musician reaching a pinnacle of creativity, and the wonder is that they are not the final words in this particular musician's career - Mingus went on to make many more superlative albums. Somehow, though, these two are albums that fans and other musicians turn to again and again, they are both treasuries of great music that one can learn from and a great deal of fun to listen to.

Massey Hall to Pithecanthropus

Massey Hall to Pithecanthropus
These three albums represent bassist Charles Mingus growing as both bass player and band leader. On the first album he becomes leader almost by default as the two who were meant to lead the outfit which has come to be known as "The Quintet", Charlie Parker and Bud Powell, were not able to function properly as leaders due to various personal issues. Mingus took over the role and did his best to protect the interests of all the musicians involved.