Search - Charles Mingus :: Duo & Trio

Don't Think Of It As Mingus

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 11/14/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not much for pre-Atlantic Records Charles Mingus, but I'm definitely intrigued by relative unknowns in jazz, so when I saw an inexpensive copy of the bassist's "Debut Rarities Volume 2" featuring pianist Spaulding Givens (aka Nadi Qamar) recently, I figured I'd take a chance and buy it. My advice to prospective buyers is if you don't think of this as a Minugs disc, then it's really quite enjoyable. The CD is divided between a 1951 duo session made in Los Angeles, and a 1953 New York trio session with drummer Max Roach. The liner notes paint a fascinating picture of Givens/Qamar -- fourth cousin of Art Tatum, best friend of Mingus at the time of these recordings, later a professor at Bennington College and the University of Wisconsin, and at the time of this disc's release in 1992, the father of a two-year old when he himself was 72! Unfortunately, this remarkable man is not quite as remarkable a pianist, but he still has his own unique style which makes for enjoyable listening. I am certianly glad to have discovered another intriguing jazz voice, and if you are similarly interested, I would encourage you to get these fine performances too."