Jazz Artists Guild - Newport Rebels CD (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
23-CAN 32122
“In July of 1960, in protest against what they considered the failings of the jazz scene and the accelerating commercialization of the annual Newport Jazz Festival, Charles Mingus and Max Roach staged their own "rebel" festival at nearby Cliff Walk Manner, RI. The rebels set up their own tents for sleeping, built their own stage, handled advertising, promotion, ticket taking and MC duties. By all accounts the concert was wholly inspired and a peaceful affair.
Meanwhile, what was supposed to be an alternative festival turned out to be the only one in town. Unable to disperse an intoxicated mob of young people seeking access to the sold-out show at Freebody Park, the actual Newport Jazz Festival ended abruptly in a full scale riot.
Despite the fact that these sessions were held in the studio, the music reflects the high-spirited freedom of the best jazz played at the original setting with nearly all of it improvised during the recording. Of particular note is the Booker Little track "Cliff Walk," which features both Max Roach and Jo Jones, two of the greatest jazz drummers ever, trading off.”
“If you love Mingus, then you won't be able to help smiling when you listen to this album. I would love to say that it's an unexpected pleasure, but, then, with Mingus the unexpected is always expected.
More importantly (to me), this album also has some excellent work from some other musicians outside of Mingus' normal sphere. Indeed, this mixes the older generation - Papa Jo Jones and Roy Eldridge - in with those who were pioneers of bebop in the 40s, and who were taking jazz in a new direction when this was recorded.
There is a back story to this album. Mingus and Max Roach, among others, had grown disenchanted with that they considered to be poor treatment of black musicians by the Newport Jazz Festival organization. Mingus and Roach were always strong personalities and leaders. They also had a close working relationship and history (in addition to collaborating on a number of albums, they established Debut Records).
Together, they put on a parallel concert in 1960. It wasn't recorded, but this album was recorded in the studio shortly afterwards in November 1960 at Nola Penthouse Sound Studios, New York. Nat Hentoff was the producer.” - Mike Taranni
- LabelCandid
- UPC708857321421