The Great Concert Of Charles Mingus

Performer: Charles Mingus
Artist: Eric Dolphy; Clifford Jordan; Jaki Byard
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Charles Mingus (bass instrument); Eric Dolphy (flute, bass clarinet, alto saxophone); Clifford Jordan (tenor saxophone); Jaki Byard (piano); Dannie Richmond (drums). Liner Note Author: Bruno Guermonprez. Though a different version of this 1964 Paris concert was previously available on import, THE GREAT CONCERT OF CHARLES MINGUS restores the original song order and includes previously unreleased tracks. One of these is pianist Jaki Byard's solo opener, "A.T.F.W." (the initials of Art Tatum and Fats Waller), a ragged, beautiful collage of classical, bop, and ragtime themes. Another is the full, original version of "So Long Eric (Don't Stay Over There Too Long)," which in its previously issued version was cobbled together from different performances. The line-up includes Mingus on bass, Byard, drummer Dannie Richmond, tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, and the incomparable Eric Dolphy on flute, alto sax, and bass clarinet. Mingus's sophisticated, complex compositions (which manage, somehow, to remain deeply rooted in earthy blues) are enlivened by Byard, Jordan, and Dolphy (whose nimble imagination, wit, and acrobatic skills are enough to recommend the set). "Fables of Faubus" swings, settles, and builds to a frenzy; "Sophisticated Lady," written by Mingus's idol Duke Ellington, spotlights the leader's bass chops; and the quote-filled "Parkeriana (Dedicated to a Genius)" pays glorious tribute to Charlie Parker. This is challenging, historic music; the album's title is no misnomer.

JazzTimes (p.92) - "Mingus' demonic drive and extra-sensory connection with his drummer were never more in evidence, while the unpredictable Byard was in a way perfect for this group."

Charles Mingus poured the full weight of his experience into everything he played. He was a powerful virtuoso on bass, and as a composer he drew on the whole history of jazz to produce works of trenchant beauty. Above all, he was an artist whose uncompromising spirit invited both controversy and adulation. In the '40s and '50s he worked as bassist for everyone from Kid Ory and Louis Armstrong to Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. Mingus began recording as a leader in the early '50s, and by the end of the decade he was at the peak of his powers as bandleader, arranger, and composer. He incorporated the influence of gospel, blues, and European classical composers into a big-band jazz format, crafting an innovative, completely unique sound. Mingus died of Lou Gehrig's Disease in 1978, but his mark on subsequent musical generations is indelible.

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