Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus (April 22, 1922 - January 5, 1979) was an American jazz bassist, composer, bandleader, and occasional pianist. He is also known for his activism against racial segregation.

Pithecanthropus Erectus

Mingus had already recorded about ten albums as a bandleader, but 1956 was a breakthrough year, with the release of Pithecanthropus Erectus – arguably his first major work as both a bandleader and composer. Like Ellington, Mingus wrote songs with specific musicians in mind, and his band for Erectus included adventurous, though distinctly blues-oriented musicians, especially saxophonist Jackie McLean and piano player Mal Waldron. The title song is a ten minute tone poem, depicting the rise of man from his hominid roots (Pithecanthropus Erectus) to an eventual downfall. A section of the piece was improvised free of structure or theme.

Related Topics:
1956 - Blues - Jackie McLean - Piano - Mal Waldron - Tone poem - Hominid - Pithecanthropus Erectus - Improvised

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Another album for Atlantic, The Clown (1957) was the first to feature drummer Dannie Richmond. Richmond played with Mingus for the next twenty years, until the bassist's death. He and Mingus formed one of the most impressive and versatile rhythm sections in jazz: Both were accomplished performers seeking to stretch the boundaries of their music while staying true to its roots; when joined by pianist Jaki Byard, they were dubbed "The Almighty Three". http://www.fantasyjazz.com/catalog/mingus_c_cat.html

Related Topics:
Atlantic - 1957 - Drum - Dannie Richmond - Rhythm section - Pianist - Jaki Byard

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The following decade is widely regarded as Mingus's most productive and fertile era. Impressive new compositions and albums appeared at an astonishing rate: Some thirty records in ten years, for a number of record labels (Debut, Candid, Impulse Records and others), a pace perhaps unmatched by any musician or group, excepting Ellington.

Related Topics:
Debut - Candid - Impulse Records

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Mingus often worked with a mid-sized ensemble (around 8-10 members) of rotating musicians known as the Jazz Workshop. Mingus broke new ground, constantly demanding that his musicians be able to explore and develop their perceptions on the spot. Those tapped to join the Workshop (or Sweatshops as they were colorfully dubbed by the musicians) were skilled musicians yearning for a taste of the big time. Mingus shaped these promising novices into a cohesive improvisational machine that in many ways anticipated free jazz.

Related Topics:
Improvisation - Free jazz

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Jazz Workshop members included:

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• Pepper Adams
• Jaki Byard
• Eric Dolphy
• Booker Ervin
• Rahsaan Roland Kirk
• Jimmy Knepper
• John Handy
• Jackie McLean
• Charles McPherson
• Horace Parlan

Only one misstep occurred in this era: 1962's Town Hall Concert. An ambitious program, it was unfortunately plagued with troubles from its inception. http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0023/santoro.php Mingus' vision was finally realized in 1989, see Epitaph (Mingus).

Related Topics:
1962 - Epitaph (Mingus)

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