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.

The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady

In 1963, Mingus released The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, a sprawling, multi-section masterpiece, described as "one of the greatest achievements in orchestration by any composer in jazz history." http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=UIDSUB040405070932540817&sql=A4f867ur070jd The album was also unique in that Mingus asked his psychotherapist to provide notes for the record.

Related Topics:
1963 - The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady - Orchestration - Psychotherapist

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1963 also saw the release of an unaccompanied album Mingus Plays Piano. His piano technique – though capable and expressive – was somewhat unrefined when compared to, perhaps, Ahmad Jamal or other contemporary jazz pianists, but the album is still generally well regarded. A few pieces were entirely improvised and drew on classical music as much as jazz, preceding Keith Jarrett's landmark The Köln Concert in that regard by some twelve years.

Related Topics:
Ahmad Jamal - Improvised - Classical music - Keith Jarrett

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In 1964 Mingus put together one of his best-known groups, a sextet including Dannie Richmond, Jaki Byard, Eric Dolphy, trumpeter Johnny Coles, and tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan. The group was recorded frequently during its short existence; Coles fell ill during a European tour.

Related Topics:
1964 - Jaki Byard - Eric Dolphy - Trumpet - Johnny Coles - Clifford Jordan

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