Charles Mingus - More Than a Fake Book (Fake Books) (Paperback)

~ Charles Mingus (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Charles Mingus was a pioneer figure in modern jazz. Besides being a virtuoso bass player who played with the top jazz musicians for four decades, he was also an accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer who recorded more than 100 albums and wrote more than 300 original and innovative scores. This incredible collection explores Mingus' background and prestigious career as well as 55 of his pieces. The stories behind each song are given and accompanied by notes on how Mingus played the piece. Mingus photos, anecdotes, quotes and an extensive discography fill this volume that collectors will treasure. A truly personal work that celebrates the genius within this jazz legend. Songs include: Fables of Faubus * Sue's Changes * Better Get Hit in Your Soul * Weird Nightmare * and more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation (November 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793509009
• ISBN-13: 978-0793509003
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #286,562 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot more than just a fake book, May 4, 2000

By	Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

An must-own for jazz players and Mingus fans. It's all here- stories behind the tunes, accurate transciptions (some in Mingus' hand) and plenty of great trivia, like the Mingus comic book promoting his anti-bootlegging project, and even his booklet on toilet training a cat. But mostly there's the music.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, August 26, 2005

By	A. Rebollo Arranz "Te lo digo" (Madriz) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a big fan of Mingus and this book have a nice collection of transcriptions of his songs. But for we the bassplayers there's a lack of info about his bassplaying and his way of play each song...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mingus as a compositional genius., January 4, 2007

By	S. Trujillo - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an avid fan of Charles Mingus, naturally this book is a must have. The compositions featured are very accurate and precise, it is always a treat to not only be able to see the music, but to know its origins. Even those who are not fortunate enough to be a musician can pick up this book and enjoy the commentarys and the other fun tidbits(i.e the Mingus Cat-alog and the comic stip). I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Mr.Charles Mingus. Anybody (musician or not) can enjoy this product.