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Charles Mingus: Mingus Moves

By Jim Santella
September 1, 1999
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Recorded in 1973 with one of his best ensembles, Charles Mingus’ Atlantic album has "that Mingus sound" down pat, pretty much at dead center. Piano, bass and drums roll out the beat while horns tackle the composer’s changes. There’s never a dull moment.

Highly recommended, the album opens with a typically Mingus slow 6/8 dramatic "Canon" that features George Adams’ muscular tenor alongside Ronald Hampton’s soothing trumpet. The quintet combines Don Pullen’s swirling keyboard figures and Dannie Richmond’s percussive ramblings in their mainstream presentation. Adams’ furious episodes are balanced with mellow, swan-like dances arm-in-arm with trumpet. Hampton’s clear tone and sloppy technique recall a recent-day Freddie Hubbard, but his natural approach somehow fits the occasion. Adams, who plays both flute and tenor on "Newcomer," overshadows the fragile trumpet sound with a soft jazz lull. Together, they read Pullen’s composition and support the pianist gently. Elsewhere, separately, they manage to absorb Mingus’ leadership and define straight-ahead jazz smack dab in the middle.

Track Listing

Canon, Opus 4, Moves, Wee, Flowers For a Lady, Newcomer, Opus 3

Personnel

Charles Mingus

bass, acoustic

Charles Mingus, bass; Ronald Hampton, trumpet; George Adams, tenor sax & flute; Don Pullen, piano; Dannie Richmond, drums; Honi Gordon & Doug Hammond, vocals (cut 3 only)

Album information

Title: Mingus Moves | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: 32 Records

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About Charles Mingus

Instrument: Bass, acoustic

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