mike pritchard wrote: > > It's International Jazz Festival time here again in Barcelona and I've just > got my tickets for Norah Jones and also for the Mingus Big Band concert. > Anyone out there heard the Mingus band and have an opinion to share?
Hi Mike, I've seen the Mingus Big Band at Fez here in NYC. Small packed room and the music was extremely loud. Before going I only knew him from Joni's "Mingus". I didn't come away from the show a Mingus fan, but was impressed, especially with the humor of his music. There were so many unexpected turns I found myself laughing a few times. In general, it all seemed very intellectual, though, so I wasn't emotionally taken in. Since I don't know much about Mingus's music, I don't know whether that "intellectual" quality is one of the characteristics of his music, or whether it was just the way it was played by the band. Along with the jaggedness, there were some beautiful, even emotionally moving, brief passages. So it was an intriguing mix, for that one night anyway. With Sue Mingus in tight control of how the music is played, it's as close to what Mingus wanted as possible; at least she's said that's what she and the band are aiming for. She was there the night I saw them, watching over things, and speaking at one point about some new engagements. It's definitely an experience to have at least once, and more often if you're a fan of his music. Debra Shea
