Search - Charles Mingus :: Charles Mingus & Friends

Great compositions do not necessarily need long rehearsals

Robert van Riel | 06/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This live CD is a beautiful recording of a big band featuring Charles Mingusc performing a number of his great compositions. Especially "Eh's flat, Ah's flat too" and "Us is two" present a band that is really going for it. The result is a thrilling performance, that keeps you hoping these tunes never stop. The performance of "Little royal suite" gives a young Jon Faddis who, according to the liner notes, never played the music before and obviously didn't need explanations on the score. Indeed, he didn't. The liner notes are weird, to say the least. The part by Sy Johnson, the arranger for this concert, shows some sort of reluctance to be proud of the achievement the band made, even in hindsight. No need to, I think. The photographs in the booklet are beautiful too. Bill Cosby, dressed in whatever was in style at that time, hilarious to say the least. This is CD-set every Mingus fan should own."

Late Period Mingus

wednightprayermeeting | Bellview, CA | 09/19/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is an often entertaining album, but definately not prime Mingus. This album was recorded in '73 to initiate Mingus' long awaited return to jazz. The arrangements are a bit overcrowded, rarely showcasing Mingus on bass.As an interesting addition, the young Bill Cosby MCs the event, and even spins off a silly scat vocal on one piece.Interesting versions of "Ecclusiastics" and "The E's Flat and the Ah's Flat Too," but definately not the definitive cuts.After you have picked up earlier Mingus live sets such as MINGUS AT ANTIBES, MINGUS AT WONDERLAND, REVENGE, and LIVE AT THE BOHEMIA, this is a nice addition to the Mingus live collection."

Mingus & Friends In Concert: A Symphony To The Ears

J.J. Martin | West Palm Beach, Fl. | 12/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this rare February 1972 recording showcasing Charlie Mingus backed by an all star New York Jazz line-up to be spectacular. The album marked Mingus' return to the public eye after an extended hiatas. Comedian Bill Cosby is the MC and even does a cute little scat vocal with Dizzy Gillespie. Featured artists included Gerry Mulligan, Gene Ammons and drummer Joe Chambers.The stand-out piece has to be the 20 minute 'Little Royal Suite' featuring a (then) 18 year old Jon Faddis on trumpet, displaying amazing prowess in the upper register. He steals the show! Mingus himself has very limited solo space showing how generous he was to let his sidemen be heard instead.This a must have for any Mingus fans collection."