Search - Charles Mingus :: Tonight at Noon

A so-so record, but all the material is available elsewhere.

Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 07/22/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

""Tonight At Noon" is an album of leftovers-- half of it is taken from the sessions for "The Clown", half of it from the sessions for "Oh Yeah". Charles Mingus was batting consistently high during this period, and at least one piece from each of these sessions is essential in his catalog ("Tonight At Noon" and "Peggy's Blue Skylight"). The balance of the material is ok, but either a bit uninspired ("Old Blues for Walt's Torin") or lifeless ("Passions of a Woman Loved").



Having stated that, the deluxe edition reissues of "The Clown" and "Oh Yeah" include all this material. I'd recommend skipping this one and going with those. My rating reflects the inconsistency of the material and the lack of reasonable value. Still, if you've got those two records, pick this up for 'Tonight' and 'Peggy', you won't regret it."

Tonight At Noon Is Back!

R. LaRue | Crozet, VA United States | 11/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two questions: Why has it taken so long to get this reissued; and why haven't you ordered your copy yet. This recording is still my favorite Mingus album. I don't think you can get the track, 'Passions of a Woman Loved' on any of his other available recordings; and the rest of the cuts here will keep you coming back and back, trying to figure out just what this master composer/bandleader's constellation of star performers has to offer on another hearing.If you like Mingus, and don't have this in vinyl, get it now. If you are new to Mingus, listen to this album a few dozen times and you'll see why musicians revered him."