Mingus, Charles - A Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry CD (expanded) (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
Bethlehem 742827400927
For a short period in the mid/late 50s, Charles seemed to be interested in combining spoken word with jazz and he released a couple of albums that did so as the opening track.
I love Charles, but as much as I do love Charles, these are some of the least enjoyable things that he did as far as my personal tastes go.
Having said all that, this is one of his earliest triumphs, and even if you skip the 12’ track with the spoken word, you still get nearly 50’ of fabulous 1957 Charles Mingus. Recommended!
“Despite its title, this album doesn't contain poetry, nor is it a "symposium." What it does have is a memorable narration by Lonnie Elder on "Scenes in the City" (one of the best collaborations of spoken word and jazz). There are four obscure Charles Mingus compositions for his sextet (which consists of the bassist/leader, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, Shafi Hadi on tenor and alto, either Bill Hardman or Clarence Shaw on trumpet, pianist Horace Parlan, and drummer Dannie Richmond). There are also three previously unreleased performances, including a run-through of Dizzy Gillespie's "Wouldn't You." An excellent set of challenging yet often accessible music.”-Scott Yanow/AllMusic
- LabelBethlehem
- UPC742827400927