Mingus Big Band, Blues & Politics - 1h 15m 25s

Tracks & Durations

1. It Was A Lonely Day In Selma, Alabama	8:45
2. Haitian Fight Song	8:22
3. Goodbye Porkpie Hat	9:47
4. Don't Let It Happen Here	5:14
5. Meditations For A Pair Of Wire Cutters	11:38
6. Pussy Cat Dues	6:36
7. Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb On Me	8:56
8. Little Royal Suite	16:01

Note: The information about this album is acquired from the publicly available resources and we are not responsible for their accuracy.

Review

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

Other Versions

Albums are mined from the various public resources and can be actually the same but different in the tracks length only. We are keeping all versions now.

Blues & Politics

Tracks: 8, Disk length: 1h 15m 23s (-1m 58s)

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