Customer Reviews

Cumbia & Jazz Fusion

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The two songs on this are some of Mingus' most intricate and complex compositions. The title track comes at you like a mack truck, using heavy rhythmic patterns, mixing minor and major keys, incorporating bassoons and piccolo flutes, and pounding a 5 note bass line. It continues to journey through many moods, all the while using amazing horn lines. Both tracks are pure compositional genius, rich in texture, sophisticated in melody and harmony, and overall amazing to listen to. Enjoy

If you save 5 stars for Mingus Ah-Um and Charles Mingus Presents Charles Mingus, then this must rate just below those standouts. With the words "Jazz Fusion" in the title, and the fact that the Lp originally contained two tracks only (side A/side B), I put off getting this record--sounded like aimless jamming or pretentious overreaching. Well, I was wrong. It is simply enjoyable, and its a shame that others may be scared away by an awkward title and a lack of description about the work's various movements. Like an Ellington suite (say the Far East), there are distinct movements, none inaccessable. There are wonderful touches of exotica, including percussion touches from the tropics, and a few wildlife sounds thrown in at the beginning for good measure. All in all, I like this more than I like some of the better-known earlier Mingus records, though not more than the Columbia or Candid recordings, which are for me the tops.

I have the original LP -- two pieces of music -- one on each side. Both pieces are great and have several "movements", presented more like a symphony. Each one has sections that shift in and out of blues and swing. Then move into a more South American flavor, then stop time ballad intrusions. I love Cumbia Jazz Fusion for the variety and also the vocal lyrics of Mama's Little Baby (it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Even though this was his last recording session (according to Sue Mingus's marvelous new book, "Tonight at Midnight".) is full on Mingus through and through. The conga playing is provocative and at one point builds to a thrilling conclusion. Every chance I get a spare 27 minutes I put it on the turntable. As the liner notes say this is "Mingus Music".

actually, i am asking for a big favor...can i have the piano keys for the wedding march slow waltz take 12 coz i want 2 use it on jun 4 on my wedding....hoping u could help me....it means a lot 2 me...thank you so much charina