Charles Mingus looms large as one of the true greats of American Jazz. Composer, virtuoso bassist and pianist and a man who like Duke Ellington created his own brand of music. Two different recording sessions are represented here. The first is from January 1963 with an 11 piece ensemble. Two updates of Mingus compositions featuring the passionate alto saxophone work of the late Charlie Mariano. "I X Love" and "Celia" are the two tunes with some familiar Mingus melodies. The second session from September 1963 with similar personnel had Eric Dolphy replacing Mariano and Mingus regulars, Booker Ervin and Richard Williams in the ensemble and Walter Perkins replacing Mingus' drummer Dannie Richmond. Most of the 6 tunes here are updates of older Mingus compositions with new titles. All great performances. This is one of Mingus' finest albums and one of his most accessible too! Git it!
Track Listing:
I X Love
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
Celia
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
II B.S.
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
Mood Indigo
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
Better Get Hit in Yo' Soul
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
Theme For Lester Young
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
Hora Decubitus
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
Freedom
Charles Mingus · Mingus!
Escapade
Joe Henderson · Our Thing.
Invitation
Joe Henderson · Tetragon
Blue Bossa
Joe Henderson · In Japan.
Sometimes I'm Happy
Bennie Green · Bennie Blows His Horn
Laura
Bennie Green · Bennie Blows His Horn
Body and Soul
Bennie Green · Bennie Blows His horn
Trav'lin' Light
Bennie Green · Bennie Blows his Horn
Say Jack
Bennie Green · Bennie Blows His Horn
Don't Be That Way
Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong · Ella and Louis Again
They All Laughed
Ella Fitsgerald/Louis Armstrong · Ella and Louis Again
I Won't Dance
Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong · Ella and Louis Again
Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong · Ella and Louis Again
A Fine Romance
Ella Fitzgerald/Louis Armstrong · Ella and Louis Again
Hot Sausage
Johnny Griffin · Way Out!
Sunny Monday
Johnny Griffin · Way Out!
Cherokee
Johnny Griffin · Way Out!
Woody'n You
Johnny Griffin · Way Out!
Cold Duck Time
Rusty Bryant · Soul Liberation