Search - Charles Mingus :: Priceless Jazz

Full-Blown Mingus

D. J. Zabriskie | Park Ridge, NJ USA | 07/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What we have here are some classic Mingus compositions filled-out
and arranged for large (11 pieces) jazz ensemble, another
brilliant version of Ellington's "Mood Indigo," and a Mingus
piano solo version of Eubie Blake's "Memories of You."
Many of the pieces are retitled here, but Mingus fans will
immediately recognize "Good-Bye, Porkpie Hat" and "Haiitian Fight
Song" without being cued. All arrangements are by Mingus himself, who also plays bass on 7 of the 9 takes here. This is
probably NOT a good introduction to Mingus, but those who are
familiar with his work will be grateful for these versions of
tunes in a more "full-dimensional" approach. The version of
"Haiitian Fight Song" in particular is a "killer." It's just
rock-'em, sock-'em, no-holds-barred Mingus! The powerful, up-
tempo tunes emerge stronger, the softer, slower ones more
delicate from these arrangements. For Mingus fans only, but not
to be missed if you are one!"