Thanks, Jimmy for taking the time to set the record straight on "Mingus."
Joni has repeatedly said that she was "vilified" for the project. My recollection is closer to the one Mr. Lamadoo restates here. The only reason I can speculate for Joni's perception of "Mingus"' acceptance was poor sales given the success that Steely Dan was having with "Aja" at the same time. That jazz infused pop record was alot more hooky hence much more certain for airplay. Steely Dan unwittingly stole Joni's jazz crown, although HOSL had broken the mold years before. For "Mingus" Joni went into the kitchen armed with the most esoteric and intensely flavored ingredients. I don't think she could be disappointed with the results. In my (Italian) family, we have a saying, "if your hands don't get dirty, the food won't taste good." This image said it all: the cover of DownBeat had a "Shadows and Light" tour photo on it. There were two names on the cover in reference to stories within. The one set in SMALLER type was Count Basie! If that wasn't enough acceptance from the jazz press, I don't know what would have satisfied Joni in that regard. Maybe the phone call that never came from Miles would have made it all worthwhile...either way, "Mingus" is an exceptional piece. CC "Nobody's harder on me than me. How could they be?" -- JM _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
