Mingus Dynasty - Next Generation Performs Charles Mingus Brand New Compositions

Passion and total commitment were the hallmarks of a performance by Charles Mingus; the presence or absence of these qualities determines the success of the various recordings made by the ever-changing Mingus Dynasty band. This 1991 release by a saxophone-heavy septet is kind of a hit-or-miss affair. Some of the pieces have an academic feel, like a first or second run-through. The band starts out a bit hesitant and restrained on a "new" tune, "Sketch Four," derived from a tape of Mingus singing the melody over a metronome. Read More