"The other reviewers are absolutely correct in saying that this album is not a showcase for Mingus' compositions or arrangements. That should be obvious from the song selection, two of the most basic Ellington standards. It's a JATP-style blowing session, pure and simple, but what a blowing session! The soloing is uniformly excellent throughout, in keeping with Mingus' ability to draw the best out of musicians just by being there. However, the standout here, and clearly the reason for this album's release, is Rahsaan Roland Kirk, who takes two extended solos that absolutely stand the room on its collective ear. His consistent creativity, his amazing circle-breathing prowess, and his good-natured rivalry with fellow tenor man George Adams all conspire to bring the crowd to its feet. And check out his takeoff on Adams' trademark screeching style on C-Jam Blues! As Mingus said, "He's cuttin' him at his own s--t!""
A Mingus Must!
riot67 | detroit | 05/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This live recording captures the essence of Mingus' larger band excursions and is somewhat more improvised than many of his other larger band dates. For one the inclusion of Hamiet Bluiett adds a free sense that is not usually evident in a Mingus recording. Also the ever changing Rahsaan Roland Kirk equally adds color to this Mingus' lineup. The band takes Duke Ellingtons "C Jam Blues" and changes the whole texture and face of the song turning it into a partially improvised tour de force that features Bluietts baritone sax work and kirks tenor and stritch. The other tune is a masterfull take on "Perdido" and it is equally exciting. The amazing thing about this date is Mingus' ability to assemble the best players in jazz in one band and come up with something as good as this. I only wish that I had been there to witness this incredible live performance."
If you are a saxophonist, you must own this album.
Matthew Seybold | Irvine, CA USA | 09/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Much of the appreciation of Mingus is due to his compositions. And, to be fair, they are among the best in the jazz canon. So, one might shy away from this album because it contains no original Mingus work. Don't let that fool you. Mingus also had the reputation of bringing out the best in those he played with, including Duke Ellington, or, in this case, five of the finest and most underrated saxophonists of the 20th Century: Roland Kirk, John Handy, Charles McPherson, Hamiet Bluiett, and George Adams. As an experiment, ask your favorite saxophonist which soloist he likes best - don't worry, he'll be familiar with the album. I must admit, I like Bluiett."
On Ellington
Nikica Gilic | Zagreb, Croatia | 06/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mingus was never easily categorized - a modernist with a keen sense of jazz history, ironical towards the "copy-cats" of other great modernists, politically bitter in his public statements, etc.
At this CD, Mingus presided over two remarkable jam-sessions on tunes from Duke Ellington's magnificent repertoire.
Naturally, Ellington was just one of the influences on Mingus, who developed highly indivudual and instantly recognizable style and poetics, but this CD gives a great example of the way Mingus approached the music of his elder colegues. The performances are at the same time modern and swinging in the traditional sense, with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, George Adams, Hamiet Bluiett and others (who blew me out my mind with joy by their strong playing) constantly led by the leaders strong rhythmical pulse. A masterpiece.
Full of brilliant improvisations and "cutting contests", these two jams nevertheless have the feal of a "composition" (or "arrangement")in the sense of Ellington's or Mingus's best orchestral work."
High energy Mingus
wilmeland | florida | 08/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I guess one of the reasons I like this so much is it was one of my first Mingus albums bought back in the 70's. Excellent band & while other Mingus albums may showcase his creativity more, this is an excellent example of something he also did with skill, assembling a top notch big band that just cooks.
Nothing like the dynamic of a live session where everybody's tuned in & getting inspiration from each previous solo."