Mingus Ah Um became Charles Mingus' Columbia debut in October 1959, having been recorded in May of that year. The album's become such a cornerstone-classic in retrospect it's difficult to think what to actually write about it, other than it's a beautifully-composed and brilliantly-played synthesis of all Mingus' influences leading up to this watershed point in his career. Formative influences of gospel electrify the joyous Better Git It In Your Soul; Duke Ellington, Lester Young and Jelly Roll Morton are paid tributes, and Mingus' composing and arranging talents make every single track a classic.
Widely regarded as a companion piece to Mingus Ah Um, and even bundled together in a 2-CD remastered edition at one point, Mingus Dynasty was recorded shortly after the release of Ah Um and came out in the spring of 1960. If the opening Slop sounds like a variation on Better Git It In Your Soul, that's exactly what was commissioned of Mingus (by a TV show) for the tune, and it kicks off the album in fine gospel rave-up style. Elsewhere, Mingus' compositional skill continues to flourish in striking pieces like Diane and Far Wells, Mill Valley, and his debt to Duke is made even more explicit in fine renderings of Mood Indigo and Things Ain't What They Used To Be.
Mingus Ah Um link
Mingus Dynasty link
pw: sgtg
Previously posted at SGTG:
Thank you once again for all the music, SGTG! A very happy 2022 to you and yours. I already look forward to spring's blossoms, including whatever new and old musical treasures you choose to share with us all. Take care! xx FA
ReplyDeleteThanks for everything Alan and a happy 2022. See you when.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you Alan. Enjoy your break - I hope that's all it is. I've spent Christmas going through many of the fine offerings that you generously post here. Best Regards Dave H.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan and Happy New year to you! That will leave me some time to catch up on some great music that you've posted and that I still haven't listened to... Enjoy your break!
ReplyDeleteUntil spring then, dear Sir. Big thanks for the time you take posting aural delights.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Alan! It has been a pleasure following your posts through these trying months. So much to love or enjoy being reminded about. Thank you for all you have shared. Hope you have a rejuvenating next adventure, and if you decide to return, we will be thrilled.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a fantastic year on your blog. Wonderful music and incisive commentary. Thank you and best wishes for 2022.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year! Thanks for all the wonderful music. Hope you have a good break :)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, look forward to your return when you feel refreshed and full of material. Thanks for everything
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for all your comments folks. It's always a pleasure. Happy New year!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year and enjoy your break.
ReplyDeleteenjoy yr break but part of me wants to sing the old blues
ReplyDeletebaby please dson't go
roberth
A well deserved break...
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you'd rather take breaks than post for the sake of posting is what makes this such an outstanding blog.
ReplyDeleteHello, we have the blogs www.Classic-Rock-Covers.com and ChilloutSounds.blogspot.com/ If you want put our links to your Blog List. We already put your blog to our Blog's Blog List. Thank you! :)
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