Live in Time [LIVE]

Mingus Big Band

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 21, 1997)
• Original Release Date: December 10, 1996
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Dreyfus
• ASIN: B000001ZTI
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #140,481 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
All his life, Charles Mingus wanted a jazz orchestra like the one led by his hero Duke Ellington. Mingus certainly deserved one, for he was one of 20th century's greatest American composers, and his muscular rhythms and thick, bluesy harmonies cried out for a band big to do them justice. Yet during his lifetime, he never had the money or the patience to keep a big band together for more than a few brief stints. So it's ironic indeed that in 1997, 18 years after the composer's death, the best jazz orchestra in the world bore the name of the Mingus Big Band. After five years of weekly shows and regular tours of Europe and North America, the ensemble has achieved a remarkably high standard of musicianship, energy and consistency, as one can hear on Live in Time. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oh Yeah, May 12, 2000

By	Timothy Calkins "student of all" (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yep, that's it., February 20, 2000

By A Customer

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mingus music at it's best, August 4, 1998

By	Vautour (California) - See all my reviews

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.