The Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife Are Some Jive Ass Slippers
Us Is Two
Man Who Never Sleeps/East Coasting
Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
All his life, Charles Mingus wanted a jazz orchestra like the one led by his hero Duke Ellington. Mingus certainly deserved one, for he was one of 20th century's greatest American composers, and his muscular rhythms and th... more »ick, bluesy harmonies cried out for a band big to do them justice. Yet during his lifetime, he never had the money or the patience to keep a big band together for more than a few brief stints. So it's ironic indeed that in 1997, 18 years after the composer's death, the best jazz orchestra in the world bore the name of the Mingus Big Band. After five years of weekly shows and regular tours of Europe and North America, the ensemble has achieved a remarkably high standard of musicianship, energy and consistency, as one can hear on Live in Time. --Geoffrey Himes« less
All his life, Charles Mingus wanted a jazz orchestra like the one led by his hero Duke Ellington. Mingus certainly deserved one, for he was one of 20th century's greatest American composers, and his muscular rhythms and thick, bluesy harmonies cried out for a band big to do them justice. Yet during his lifetime, he never had the money or the patience to keep a big band together for more than a few brief stints. So it's ironic indeed that in 1997, 18 years after the composer's death, the best jazz orchestra in the world bore the name of the Mingus Big Band. After five years of weekly shows and regular tours of Europe and North America, the ensemble has achieved a remarkably high standard of musicianship, energy and consistency, as one can hear on Live in Time. --Geoffrey Himes
"In this disc, we, as listeners, are blessed with the opportunity to hear what is arguably the greatest big band today. Somehow Sue Mingus and co have captured the genius that is Mingus Big Band. Since obtaining this disc, I have seen these guys twice. No band puts on a better show.The first disc roars through "Number 29," "Boogie Stop Shuffle," and "So Long Eric." But the slow numbers are exquisite. Steve Slagle, plays one of the most powerful alto breaks on "Diane/Alice's Wonderland" that I have ever heard. Obviously "Sue's Changes" is good, but Frank Lacey comes through huge on "Baby Take a Chance With Me." His voice mixes very well with the style of the band.The second disc starts with "Moanin' Mambo." Ronnie Cuber plays bari sax like a tenor--he is all over the horn. The extended "Shoes" works well for the band. As an improv oriented group, they use the time effectively. This is recorded over a series of Thursday night engagements at the Fez. And, as they close almost every night with it, they close this set with "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting."Overall, this is an excellent recording of some of the most influential players in modern jazz. The only better way to hear these guys is to go see them live."
Mingus music at it's best
Vautour | California | 08/05/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A fantastic 2 cd set done by the Mingus Big Band live in Time Cafe. Amazing tunes from ballads to upbeat soulful tunes and a surprisingly beautiful vocal tune done by trombonist Ku-Umba Frank Lacy on "Baby Take a Chance With Me." The band is truly as one entity in these tunes with the group improvisation and the superb solos by all in the band. The fact that it is live adds a lot to the feel of the album."
SOME OF THE BEST BIG BAND JAZZ TODAY!
Capt. Billy Thimbleberry | On the shores of Lake Superior | 02/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This double CD is highly recommended if you enjoy big band jazz. The textures of the Mingus compositions are incredible. Allow yourself a kaleidoscopic musical experience listening to this CD. Ronnie Cuber's solo on Moanin' Mambo is worth the price of admission alone. Best jazz CD I've purchased in a long while."
Moanin'!
Jonathan Kantor | Cos Cob, CT USA | 10/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a great concert! All the songs, including what is now somewhat of a theme song (Moanin') creates a CD that can't be passed over....."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
