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Mingus Big Band

Jazz

Mingus Big Band Tickets

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About

The Mingus Big Band in Concert

As a composer, bassist, and bandleader, Charles Mingus was one of the most original and innovative artists in jazz history. In the 1950s and '60s he recorded a string of albums forevermore regarded as classics, including Pithecanthropus Erectus, Mingus Ah Um, and The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, sometimes playing with a small group and sometimes leading his own big band. 

The world of jazz mourned when Mingus passed away in 1979, but his widow, Sue Mingus, was determined to keep his music alive. Initially, this was accomplished via the Mingus Dynasty band. With Sue as artistic director, the band brought together former Mingus bandmates to play his music in a septet setting. But the next iteration of the idea proved to be the most popular. 

In 1991, the Mingus Big Band began performing once a week at a literally underground club in Greenwich Village called Fez, bringing the burning, brassy glory of the man's full-force big-band arrangements to life once again. The band's residency at Fez became something of a downtown NYC institution, continuing through 2004. 

Over time, the ensemble became a mix of original Mingus band members and newcomers. Through the years, the 14-piece band has included trumpeters Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, and Ryan Kisor; trombonists Conrad Herwig, Dave Taylor, and Robin Eubanks; sax players Vincent Herring, Seamus Blake, and Scott Robinson; pianists David Kikoski, Orrin Evans, and Kenny Drew Jr.; bassists Boris Kozlov, Andy McKee, and Dwayne Burno; and drummers Donald Edwards, Victor Lewis, and Jeff "Tain" Watts, to name just a few. 

From 2004 to 2008, the band took up residencies in various New York venues before settling in for a longtime weekly gig at The Jazz Standard. But the Mingus Big Band has always done an ample amount of international touring as well. With a discography that numbered 10 albums by the time of the Mingus Sings release in 2015, they also racked up a Grammy win and several more nominations. The Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, and the 10-piece Mingus Orchestra all share members and contribute to making the magic of Mingus a living thing to be experienced onstage in real time.

Reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mingus Ah Yes!

    by pdxfunkjunkie on 3/1/10Newmark Theatre - Portland

    Charles would be proud. These musicians were (most all of them, at least) top-notch artists who enjoyed being in Portland and enjoyed the reception that Stumptown gave them. Like most great concerts, it was a two way street of give-and-take between performers and audience. Several of the soloists *really* stood out for me as exceptional, including the band leader (Wayne Escoffery?) on tenor, David Kikoski on piano and the amazing 18-year old Justin Faulkner on drums.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mingus Big Band

    by 4fisch on 3/1/10Newmark Theatre - Portland

    This show was uniquely different and offered a great musical variety for anyone attending. The musicians where very elite and entertaining. The talents of each one showed . Especially the 19 year old drummer who stole the show. I'd see them again, without a doubt.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A Joyous Noise

    by Deanbo on 3/1/10Newmark Theatre - Portland

    Mingus would be proud of what is essentially a tribute band. Every member was inspiring, especially the rhythm section. The bass player (sorry, but I didn't take notes on names) was capable and strong. He and the excellent pianist, who could do no wrong, and the astounding drummer, drove things along and contributed some highlight solos along the way. Every member soloed, and all made strong statements.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    THANK YOU PDX Jazz Fest & Mingus Big Band

    by MingusAmungus on 3/1/10Newmark Theatre - Portland

    I've been a Charles Mingus devotee since 1988 when I first picked up a copy of Right Now! When the Mingus Big Band started releasing recordings and touring in the 1990s I was thrilled. I've been trying to catch a live show for over a decade. I actually purchased tickets for previous tour dates in San Francisco and Bremerton, WA but couldn't make either one. Imagine how I felt seeing them on the performer list for the 2010 PDX Jazz Festival, right in my own back yard! The venue (Newmark Theater) was outstanding, the crowd was warm and receptive, and the Mingus Big Band's performance was STELLAR. You could try, but I doubt you could find such a wonderfully talented, dedicated and energetic group of musicians playing anywhere in the world today. Thank you Mingus Big Band and PDX Jazz Fest for making this jazz nut's dream come true!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Mingus Lives! and Roars.>. with a Purr

    by tahuti on 3/1/10Newmark Theatre - Portland

    Ecstatic and beautiful bold and sweet I would see any chance I get