Jazz Articles about Charles Mingus

The Man That Was Mingus

by R.J. DeLuke
March 8, 2004

Myself, When I Am Real Gene Santoro Oxford Univ Press ISBN: 0195097335

Charles Mingus stands as one of jazz music’s imposing figures. Imposing because of the breadth and depth of his music, but also for his charisma and at time tempestuous personality.Like many great artists, his was a life not easily understood, in part because it is so multi-faceted and so many things go into the makeup of such people. ...

Clues and Roots: Tracing the Genius of Mingus

by Alan Jones
February 6, 2004

When I first heard the music of Charles Mingus it was if I had been struck violently from underneath, yet the subsequent fall was a welcome descent embodied by contemplation and a strange sense of satisfaction. The record was Blues and Roots, and the moments of discovery in the listening journey since have been few and far between.

The function of the bass in small ensembles has always been of great interest to me. Bass players, the really ...

Tonight At Noon

by AAJ Staff
December 19, 2003

The title of this topic is intended as an obvious reference to Charles Mingus. I hope this discussion will attract sufficient posts of Mingus, who is without question one of the key figures in jazz history, whose music is still being explored, and will provide fertile ground for exploration for decades to come.

I think we need to view Mingus in three areas: as a bassist, as a composer, and as a bandleader/talent scout.

As an instrumentalist, Mingus helped lead ...

Duke Ellington: Money Jungle

by Jim Santella
August 1, 2002

The dramatic character of this album’s title track tells you from the start that few trio jam sessions have ever carried so much weight. Recorded in 1962, it brought together three definitive leaders in this field we call jazz. Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Max Roach interpreted a program of swinging Ellington material. His “Money Jungle,” “African Flower,” “Very Special” and “Wig Wise” were introduced to the listening public for the first time with this LP. Blue Note ...

Charles Mingus: The Very Best Of Charles Mingus

by Mike Perciaccante
June 7, 2002

Mingus was a genius. The music on this CD is incredible. Anything that Mingus recorded was incredible. This being the Very Best Of, what does one expect, but fantastic performances. The only real complaint her is why one CD an not two. Mingus released enough “must have" classic compositions, that two CDs would be the most logical configuration for a Very Best Of.

The CD includes eleven tracks. They are, in order: “Pithecanthropus Erectus," “Profile Of Jackie," “Tonight At Noon," ...

Charles Mingus: Tonight At Noon

by Jim Santella
April 1, 2001

What a major, charismatic figure in jazz. His compositions were filled with fire and ice. His bass playing and piano mastery served to lead stellar ensembles and to reveal Mingus' inner feelings. This album was originally issued in 1964. The two recording dates include changes of personnel. Five compositions by Charles Mingus demonstrate quite well the way he structured his suite-like portraits. Changes in meter, changes in mood, and overlapping themes weave a common thread, while each artist was encouraged ...

Charles Mingus: The Very Best of Charles Mingus: The Atlantic Years

by C. Michael Bailey
March 1, 2001

Charles Mingus never ceases to amaze, even 20 years after his death.

As part of their ambitious Atlantic re-issue program, Rhino Records squirts out a “Very Best of..." collection of Charles Mingus from his years with the label (1950s and 1960s). That is a pretty tall order. Mingus in many ways is as big as Ellington. Always the explorer and pioneer, Charles Mingus' vision touched jazz in its traditional, mainstream, all of the Bops, and Free flavors. Most if not ...