Search - Charles Mingus :: Shuffle Bass Boogie

Early Mingus, if you're curious

Anthony Cooper | Louisville, KY United States | 02/21/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has some of the early recording of Charles Mingus, back when he was sometimes known as 'Baron'. The songs have a variety of lineups, and some feature vocalists. The title track is a catchy enough song, though at 2:55 there isn't much time for soloing or improvisation. The other thing is that the players aren't 'A' list. The biggest names are saxophonist Buddy Collette, Britt Woodman, who played trombone with Duke Ellington, Lucky Thompson, who played sax on Miles Davis' "Walkin'", and vibist Cal Tjader, who plays on two songs. "Weird Nightmare" and "Baby Take A Chance With Me" are nice vocal songs. "Mingus Fingers" features some hot bass playing, and "Boppin' In Boston" ends it nicely. A lot of the other songs are okay, but simply slower-paced songs of their late '40's era. This CD is of most interest to big-time Mingus fans and people who like the pre-bebop style of jazz."