Mingus, Charles - Mingus At Carnegie Hall (expanded) 2 x CDs
SKU
28-RHI654167.2
A very, very mediocre 70s Mingus album is transformed into a fairly top notch 70s Mingus album by putting the original album into better context AND by the addition of over an hour of music not previously released before!
“Is this the very best live Mingus? Maybe not. But it's pretty darn close to it. Mingus is in good shape musically and just look at the names of the musicians in his band. The original album had just two tunes--both from Ellington. But with this revised set we have the entire concert in correct running order. That, for me, puts this edition of this concert at five "stars". And Mingus playing at Carnegie Hall in 1974 must've been a milestone for both Mingus and creative jazz in general.
If you're reading this then you're probably already familiar with the original album. But having the addition of over 70 minutes of previously unreleased music, and all tracks played in the correct concert order is a slightly different listening experience. As I said, this band (with special guest musicians) was top notch-- Mingus, Pullen, Faddis, Adams, Bluiett, Kirk, McPherson, Handy, and Richmond--what a group of musicians. Besides the two Ellington songs on the original album, "C Jam Blues" and "Perdido", tunes like "Peggy's Blue Skylight", and (the 20 + minutes) "Fables Of Faubus" among other things here, further cement Mingus into the foundation of creative jazz. "Celia" (at 22 + minutes) is a relatively more conventional sounding tune with some good Faddis trumpet with Adams filling in underneath plus solos to good effect. And listen to Pullen's piano on his composition--he pulls no punches--simply beautiful. "Big Alice" (another Pullen composition) is another welcome addition with more fine unison playing from the band and some tough tenor sax from Adams--and listen to Richmond's drumming. The first portion of the concert is Mingus with his band. The second portion is an example of a jam (the original album) with extra players John Handy-alto sax, Rahsaan Roland Kirk-tenor sax/stritch, and Charles McPherson-alto sax. Both Adams-tenor sax, and Faddis-trumpet are in fiery form in the first part of the concert. And having Handy, McPherson and Kirk jamming on two tracks tracks now in juxtaposition to the original album is even better. And did Mingus ever have a better drummer more in tune with the music than Dannie Richmond?
The sound is very good--mastered from original tapes--warm and clean sounding with all the musical power intact--turn your volume knob up and you'll hear what I mean. The three panel double-sided booklet has an essay from Michael Cuscuna along with recording information. The discs plus the booklet slip into pockets in the three panel cardboard package which has period photos across the inside panels.
This album has always been a favorite of mine. And now having the complete concert in true running order makes this a real find for Mingus fans. It's just a good/great example of creative jazz from Mingus and his fellow musicians from the mid '70s.”-Stuart Jefferson
- LabelRhino
- UPC603497844326