Search - Mingus Big Band :: Blues & Politics

Mingus Big Band
Blues & Politics
Genres: Jazz, Pop

Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
1. It Was a Lonely Day in Selma, Alabama/Freedom
2. Haitian Fight Song
3. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
4. Don't Let It Happen Here
5. Meditation on a Pair of Wire Cutters [a.k.a Meditations]
6. Pussy Cat Dues
7. Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb on Me
8. Little Royal Suite

CD Details

All Artists: Mingus Big Band
Title: Blues & Politics
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Dreyfus
Original Release Date: 8/17/1999
Release Date: 8/17/1999
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Swing Jazz, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 764911660325, 3460503660328

Synopsis

Amazon.com

The music of jazz bassist-composer Charles Mingus (1922-79) was decidedly vibrant and spirited, much like the man himself. He melded aspects of blues, swing, and bebop with a unique arranging flair (he was a huge fan of Duke Ellington) and a sharp sense of humor in concocting pieces that were sometimes rambunctious and rhythmic, sometimes poignant and brooding. Ultimately, Mingus's music was quite accessible and almost always touched the listener. The New York-based Mingus Big Band--an outgrowth of the Mingus Dynasty groups that were formed after the artist's death--has, since 1991, purveyed his works with authenticity and vitality; the first-rate Blues & Politics is no exception. Here, as the title indicates, selections with a blues essence touch on matters of social importance. "Haitian Fight Song" is a riotous, riff-oriented piece where the band drops in walls of sound over a driving beat. Soprano saxophonist Alex Foster and trumpeter Randy Brecker deliver ear-catching solos. "Pussycat Dues" is a raucous slow blues where trombonist Conrad Herwig's gleaming tone and solid swing are standouts. On the telling "Goodbye Porkpie Hat," tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake epitomizes emotive expression. The climactic "Little Royal Suite" is an intricate, brazen work. On the opening track, the late composer's voice is heard reciting an impromptu poem, "It was a Lonely Day in Selma, Alabama." Heady, heated stuff. --Zan Stewart

CD Reviews

Another Classic!

09/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know how the Mingus Big Band does it - their albums get progressively better and better. This latest release was, to my mind, one of the groups best (perhaps second to their glorious live album). Truly moving solos - Seamus Blake's solo on Goodbye Pork Pie Hat gives me chills every time I listen to it - great selection, involvement from Mingus' son, a rare poem/free-from song from Mingus, and band members crooning about atomic bombs make this CD yet another timeless classic that is part of MBB and Mingus' legacy."

Moving

11/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The inclusion of Charles Mingus vocals on the album creates a haunting and moving experience as soon as the recording begins. Mingus' attention to the composition of the form rather than the sound is evident even through the "Band." The journey the album takes is based on politics, though the flatness that that may invoke is quickly dispelled as the music takes shape. Outstanding, I will buy more recordings by The Mingus Big Band!"

Mingus Big Band speaking out

Anthony Cooper | Louisville, KY United States | 04/26/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Mingus Big Band reaches back and puts a tape of the actual Charles Mingus at the beginning of this CD. The first song mashes up Mingus on "It Was A Lonely Day In Selma, Alabama" with the Big Band playing "Freedom". I'm not sure it really works, but it does point out Sue Mingus is involved in the Mingus Big Band, since nobody else would probably get permission to use a Mingus sample. The CD gets going with "Haitian Fight Song" which, with its differing parts, sounds great with a big band. "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" is okay, but maybe not quite as good as it could be. "Don't Let It Happen Here" adds Eric Mingus' vocals to the Big Band. It's has promise, but doesn't cohere into a really good song. "Meditations..." is a great song, and the Big Band puts the song through its paces. "Pussy Cat Dues" is a pretty effective blues. "Oh Lord..." is similar to "Don't Let It Happen Here", but I think it's a bit better. Eric Mingus's singing sounds like his father's. At 16 minutes, "Little Royal Suite" isn't little, but it's a pretty good multi-sectioned piece.

This is a good CD, and the players are very good. One of the difficulties with a Mingus big band project is the struggle between the earthiness of Mingus' music and the precision needed for a larger ensemble. The original songs have a rhythmic looseness that's hard to recreate with a big band. Ultimately, I like the different takes on great songs, and recommend this to Mingus fans.

"