Search - Charles Mingus :: Immortal Concerts (Jazz Festival, Antibes, July 13, 1960

Live jazz combustion rarely seen or heard today.

Douglas Groothuis | 07/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was one of Mingus's best bands, captured live before an attentive and involved audience in 1960. Eric Dolphy, reed and flute wizard, figures prominently throughout, but all the musicians are engaged and highly animated. The musical chemistry is palpable.Charles Mingus was an explosive person. He was known for a bad temper, but could verbally cheer on fellow musicians in touching and exhilerating manner. You can hear him do so throughout the pieces.The group arrangements are challenging and sometimes complex, with several tempos changes and unexpected ensemble forms, all of which I find deeply satisfying and worthy of repeated listening.The group was in top form, the music is essential Mingus. I am thankful these beautiful moments were preserved for us, some forty years later in midst of our aesthetically impoverished culture.Douglas Groothuis"