Search - Charles Mingus :: In Paris/the Complete America Recordings

Fantasy released this in the 1970's

Lawrence L. Powell | Weston, Fl | 05/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While acting like this has never been heard before in America, Fantasy (or maybe it was Milestone) released this music on 2 double albums in the early 1970's. It is a great set of music. This is my favorite version of Pithyecanthropus Erectus. Part of this session was also released on the French label Accord in 1985 and the CD was titled Charlie Mingus Pithycanthropus Erectus. Once again, it is truly a great set of Mingus music. If you like Mingus get it!"

Classic Mingus from 1970

K. Hooker | Dallas, Texas USA | 08/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This music was recorded in the studio during a 1970 European tour, the return of Mr. Mingus to active performance after a five year hiatus. The rhythm section is the same as for the famous 1964 European tour with Eric Dolphy, that is, Jaki Byard with Mingus and Dannie Richmond. Frequent Mingus collaborator Charles McPherson is on alto, along with Eddie Preston on trumpet and little recorded tenor saxophonist Bobby Jones. The repertoire is predominantly reworkings of Mingus classics (Reincarnation of a Lovebird, Pithecanthropus Erectus, and Peggy's Blue Skylight). Mingus is perhaps not quite as up-front and aggressive as usual on this date, but it nonetheless is a very solid group performance, all of the soloists are first-rate, and Byard/Mingus/Richmond rhythm section is virtually without peer. The bonus disc mostly features song fragments, but there is a complete additional performance of Peggy's Blue Skylight, and a nearly complete Pithecanthropus Erectus in two parts. This is a fine example of Mr. Mingus pausing to consolidate his past achievements before moving forward again in the near future (see Let My Children Hear Music, Mingus Moves, and Changes)."