Search - Charles Mingus :: At the Bohemia

Cornerstone early Mingus

wednightprayermeeting | Bellview, CA | 09/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Struggling with the rigors of owning and operating a record company, Charles Mingus was hard pressed to squeeze a substantial profit from his works. His little record label Debut was a dream come true, allowing Mingus creative control.Up until about the time of this album, Mingus was yet to fully blossom as a bandleader. His method of direction changed from having his band members read music off of the paper, to a freer, improv approach. This opened his music immensely.It is apparent on this album that Mingus was in full hard bop swing. "Jump Monk" is a furiously swinging tune with a catchy theme. "Work Song" is another hard driver, with a nimble, cerebral rhythm. This is among the best early period Mingus available. Also included in the extensive 12 disk Debut Box with extra tracks from this same date."

Favorite Mingus Album

L. Topper | 01/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite Mingus album. I really like the soloists. I had not really heard of George Barrow or Eddie Bert. The music is fun, slightly riotous, and exuberant like so much of Mingus' music, but it is just a little more conventional than so much of pieces that Mingus is famous for. Sometimes, Mingus' style of music is too over the top for me.



Second, it is a fun live concert. It features all of the best qualities of a live concert date including good sound.



If you are not a huge Mingus fan, but you want to dip your toe into the water to see if you could become a Mingus fan, this just might be the record for you."