“Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus” is the jazz musician’s first headlong exploration into the avant-garde.
“Blues & Roots” Album Review
“Blues & Roots” finds Charles Mingus exploring the sounds of his childhood: gospel, spirituals and, of course, the blues.
“Mingus Dynasty” Album Review
Originally released in 1960, Mingus Dynasty is a transitional album for the iconic jazz bassist, featuring a wide array of exotic influences.
Mingus Ah Um – Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus surpasses all his idols on the 1959 jazz masterpiece “Mingus Ah Um.”
A Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry
Artist: Charles Mingus Year: 1957 Genre: Post-Bop Grade: B+ The 11-minute opener, entitled “Scenes in the City,” is the clear highlight of Charles Mingus’ fourth LP of 1957. Featuring the spoken-word narration of Mel Stewart, the freewheeling track moves through a variety of moods, following a similar blueprint to “The Clown.” It’s the only song on the […]
Mingus Three
The trio setting apparently doesn’t fit with Charles Mingus’ style.
Grade: B
East Coasting – Charles Mingus
One of Charles Mingus’ rare, non-essential LPs.
Grade: B+
The Clown
Despite the title, “The Clown” is one of Charles Mingus’ darkest masterpieces.
Grade: A
Pithecanthropus Erectus
One of the most important jazz releases of the decade.
Grade: A+
Jazz at Massey Hall – The Quintet
Perhaps the first “landmark” concert recording.
Grade: A
The Top 10 Albums of 1960
My picks for the best albums of 1960.
