<<So.....what's the concensus on MINGUS? Thumbs up, or thumbs down?>>
Well, *I* would say that EVERY Joni is a 'must own', Hits & Misses excluded...
Mingus has its flaws, but it definitely rewards repeated listenings...I still contend
that "Sweet Sucker Dance" offers her finest singing relative to the challenge of the
melody. All those "blue" notes, it rarely goes where you would naturally want it to
resolve to, and she nails it in an amazing way!
All of the "songs" are great..."Dry Cleaner" is in a way her tribute to Annie Ross'
style, and is a wonderful word painting. "Lindsey" always demands a replay from me,
such a brooding deep song. "Boogie Man" is also deep and fun at the same time, and she
does a nice job of fleshing it out live as well.
The only things I can do without are the Happy Birthday and raps between songs; while
they add a unity to the project, they're a bit tiresome after the first listen. But
most of them are only seconds long anyway, so no biggie.
The bonus with the record are the great paintings that Joni did during this period.
She was definitely unfettered & alive!
Bob
NP: Tom Waits, "Muriel"
