Mingus Big Band – The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions Vol. 2
Mingus Big Band continues the celebration of jazz legend Charles Mingus’s 100th birthday with their latest album, “The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions Vol. 2”. This album is a tribute to the iconic bassist and composer, featuring an impressive collection of new performances of his timeless works. The recording sessions occurred in January 2020 at Sound on Sound Studios in Montclair, New Jersey. Under the direction of co-leaders Alex Foster and Boris Kozlov, who played Mingus’s legendary 1927 Ernst Heinrich Roth double bass, the Mingus Big Band achieved one of their highest-quality recordings to date. Experienced engineer Rich Keller ensured that Mingus’s compositions’ powerful and complex sounds were captured in all their glory.
The album includes eight carefully selected pieces that highlight the versatility of Mingus’s oeuvre. One of the standout tracks is “GG Train”, a newly arranged version of the original from the 1959 album “Mingus Ah Um”. This track receives a fresh and energetic treatment, fully showcasing the dynamic range of the big band. “Peggy’s Blue Skylight”, a piece that was a staple of Mingus’s live performances for years, gets a new lease on life with an arrangement that balances the bluesy undertones with vibrant brass sections. Another highlight is “The Clown”, the title track from the 1957 album. This new recording features a poignant narration by Charles’s son Eric Mingus, adding a personal touch to the piece.
“Pithecanthropus Erectus”, originally from 1956, is one of Mingus’s most experimental compositions. In this performance, the band emphasizes the evolutionary and societal themes of the piece, resulting in a powerful and immersive interpretation. Also notable is “Song for Keki”, a lesser-known Mingus work originally intended as a musical sketch for the film “Mingus”. Arranger Sy Johnson has expanded it into a full big band composition that makes its debut here.
The album concludes with “Farewell Farwell”, an emotional closer that perfectly encapsulates the melancholy and resilience of Mingus’s music. This performance demonstrates how the Mingus Big Band not only keeps the legacy of the great master alive but also updates it with a contemporary twist. “The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions Vol. 2” is a valuable addition to the Mingus Big Band’s repertoire and a must-listen for any jazz enthusiast. The album reaffirms how relevant and inspiring Charles Mingus’s music remains, even decades after his passing. (7/10) (Candid Records)
