Charles Mingus

This medium tempo swing chart is the lead-off cut from the CD Mingus Big Band 93. Featured is a distinctive melody a stop-time solo section and a great swing groove throughout.

Recorded on the Grammy-nominated CD “I Am Three” by the Mingus Big Band this composition was originally written by Mingus for a 1959 television drama. Arranged here for the Mingus Big Band by the late great JohnStubblefield the chart opens with a bluesy piano introduction followed by an accelerando that kicks into a high-energy shuffle groove. Solos are included for tenor sax trombone trumpet and piano. A sizzling ensemble shout andgroup improvisation bring it all to an exciting finish!

This recent adaptation by bassist Boris Kozlov presents the marvelous Mingus composition in a rich setting containing a variety of musical styles. Opening in a quasi-classical style the piece quickly shifts to a straight aheadswing tempo with angular horn riffs and creative melodies - characteristically Mingus! The rhythmic groove alternates between swing and a 6/8 feel and there are solo opportunities for trumpet and trombone.

Here's a playable yet very effective arrangement of this signature Mingus composition. The familiar bari sax riff is handled by three saxes and there is also a substantial soli for the entire sax section.

This is probably Charles Mingus' best-known composition. Sy Johnson's updated chart is the authentic version as performed by the Mingus Big Band on the CD Blues and Politics.

Opening with a shuffle vamp with layers of riffs being added as the intensity builds this powerhouse arrangement from the acclaimed CD I Am Three blossoms into a full-grown flat-out shout!

From the Mingus Big Band CD Gunslinging Birds here is an unpredictable romp for mature bands. Exploring a wide mix of seemingly unrelated sections the genius and eccentricity of Mingus is apparent as the piece comes together ingrand fashion finally settling in on a medium swing groove (for a while).