Customer Reviews

Que Viva Mingus

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

 

 

Yet again Mingus Big Band have given us a superb recording. Their choice of material has been mainly limited to Latin influenced music for this album. The titles range from the rare and early Moods In Mambo to the late masterpiece Cumbia and Jazz Fusion. As always Mingus' music comes across as being supremely expressive, witty, angry and romantic. One of the best things about the Migus Big Band recordings is how they perform Mingus tunes that have only been heard in small group formats before. The exellent Love Chant is a fine example of this. As always the band is staffed by some top jazz names like Randy Brecker, Ronnie Cuber and Steve Slagle. The bass chair is filled by alternately Andy McKee and John Benitez. Two real highlights for me are Slippers arranged by Chico O'Farrill and the hilarious Eat That Chicken (Paella). My top award has to go to Cumbia and Jazz Fusion which starts with Conch shells and builds and builds to a frenzy. Ku-umba Frank Lacy does the Mingus style vocals in great style.

I have three of the MBB CD's and this one is probably my favorite. Superb musicians playing Mingus's difficult pieces with great spirit and fun. Cumbia and Jazz Fusion is awesome but Tijuana Gift Shop and Los Mariachis are my two favorites on this CD.

Definitely worth getting. If you've only heard these works from Mingus's small groups, this big band may open them up to you.

Smart big band effort of classic and obscure mingus tunes. A must purchase with highligts:'mood in mambo' and 'cumbria jazz fusion'. Now go see the band live, they cook.

This proves to be another great album of the mingus big band. Very enjoyable overall, I especially enjoyed "Cumbia Jazz and Fusion". Pick it up and give it a listen.