Search - Charles Mingus, John Laporta :: Jazzical Moods

Obscure Masterpiece?

Trent | KS, USA | 04/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Certainly when someone thinks of Mingus' top 5 or even top 10 albums, this one is not likely to come up very often. However, I am completely blown away with the genius arrangement of these works, as well as the ingeniuity and creativity of all the solos on this album. I realize that the band played particular arrangements composed by Mingus throughout parts of the album, however I believe the solos are for the most part spontaneous. This in itself is truly incredible when you listen to the solos by the horns, (as well as Mingus on both bass and piano), and they seem so logical that you literally swear they must have been pre-conceived! It honestly seems like every note played by the soloist's was supposed to be there.. no more, no less required. The interplay and harmonics between the horns and other instruments is completely priceless and reveals much more each time it is listened to. I owned a poorer quality bootleg of this album (intrusions) and I am certainly glad I picked this up. The remastering is done well and is much clearer. The highlights of this album are tracks 1,3,5,6,7. Tracks 2 and 4 are interesting enough, with the former being led by Thad Jones' excellent trumpet work, and the latter by A cello part. Track 4 is my least favorite due to the cello. Tracks 1,6, and 7 are great tunes that swing hard and can be appreciated by nearly any jazz fan. Tracks 3 and 5 are a bit more abstract and require careful listening to dissect the genius melodic interplay occuring between the horns. If you don't hear it at first, listen again, it's there, trust me, and it makes real musical sense!! Hands down my favorite of the Mingus albums I own thus far."