Customer Reviews

Live in Time

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In this disc, we, as listeners, are blessed with the opportunity to hear what is arguably the greatest big band today. Somehow Sue Mingus and co have captured the genius that is Mingus Big Band. Since obtaining this disc, I have seen these guys twice. No band puts on a better show.

The first disc roars through "Number 29," "Boogie Stop Shuffle," and "So Long Eric." But the slow numbers are exquisite. Steve Slagle, plays one of the most powerful alto breaks on "Diane/Alice's Wonderland" that I have ever heard. Obviously "Sue's Changes" is good, but Frank Lacey comes through huge on "Baby Take a Chance With Me." His voice mixes very well with the style of the band.

The second disc starts with "Moanin' Mambo." Ronnie Cuber plays bari sax like a tenor--he is all over the horn. The extended "Shoes" works well for the band. As an improv oriented group, they use the time effectively. This is recorded over a series of Thursday night engagements at the Fez. And, as they close almost every night with it, they close this set with "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting."

Overall, this is an excellent recording of some of the most influential players in modern jazz. The only better way to hear these guys is to go see them live.

This has got to be one of the best albums I have ever heard. The band's playing is outstanding! There is so much energy in this set that it is just unbelievable (especially "Moanin' Mambo, which could be reason alone to get it.) "Shoes of the Fisherman's Wife" also has two excellent solos (each running at about 6 minutes?) that are worth the time to listen to as well.

BUY IT. BUY IT NOW. You won't regret it.

A fantastic 2 cd set done by the Mingus Big Band live in Time Cafe. Amazing tunes from ballads to upbeat soulful tunes and a surprisingly beautiful vocal tune done by trombonist Ku-Umba Frank Lacy on "Baby Take a Chance With Me." The band is truly as one entity in these tunes with the group improvisation and the superb solos by all in the band. The fact that it is live adds a lot to the feel of the album.

This double CD is highly recommended if you enjoy big band jazz. The textures of the Mingus compositions are incredible. Allow yourself a kaleidoscopic musical experience listening to this CD. Ronnie Cuber's solo on Moanin' Mambo is worth the price of admission alone. Best jazz CD I've purchased in a long while.

What a great concert! All the songs, including what is now somewhat of a theme song (Moanin') creates a CD that can't be passed over.....