Jazz / Experimental Big Band; Post-Bop
Recorded: 1996
Having exhausted most of the late bassist's best-known songs, the Mingus Big Band emphasizes obscurities (such as "Sue's Changes," "Children's Hour of Dream" and "Chair in the Sky"), along with later-period work, on their third release, a double CD. The orchestra really digs into the complex material, and they perform Mingus' almost impossible-to-play originals with joy, swing and constant excitement. Among the many all-stars on this fascinating and highly enjoyable set (all of whom are featured) are trumpeters Randy Brecker, Philip Harper and Ryan Kisor, trombonists Frank Lacy, Robin Eubanks and Britt Woodman, altoists Gary Bartz and Steve Slagle, Seamus Blake, Mark Shim and John Stubblefield on tenors, Ronnie Cuber or Gary Smulyan on baritone and Kenny Drew Jr. or John Hicks on piano. The gloriously overcrowded ensembles, the explosive solos and the spirit of Mingus are three of the many reasons to acquire this memorable effort.
---Scott Yanow, allmusic
Conrad Herwig - trombone
Adam Cruz - drums
Andy McKee - bass
John Hicks - piano
Kenny Drew, Jr. - piano
Steve Slagle - alto, soprano saxophone, flute
Gary Bartz - alto saxophone
Mark Shim - tenor saxophone, clarinet
Seamus Blake - tenor, soprano saxophone
John Stubblefield - tenor, soprano saxophone, flutee
Tommy Campbell - drums
Gary Smulyan - baritone saxophone
Britt Woodman - trombone
Robin Eubanks - trombone
Ku-Umba Frank Lacy - trombone
Earl Gardner - trumpet
Alex Sipiagin - trumpet
Ryan Kisor - trumpet
Randy Brecker - trumpet
Dave Taylor - trombone
Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone |
