Happy Friday. Okay, this is gonna be a brief one. I was going to write about the super sweet Japanese pressing of David Sylvian’s “Brilliant Trees” that I just posted ($50), but that would require too much writing, er, typing on my part as I actually know that record and would want to, umm, elaborate. (Let’s just say it’s really, really great, but “Adolescent Sex” it’s not…but what is?). So I decided to feature another recent addition that I know next to nothing about (well, actually, nothing), but someone out there may dig. Because, like Vanessa Williams, I’ve got work to do.
Okay, Mingus Dynasty. Again, seeing as how I have never listened to this record, and it is sealed, I will turn the platform over to All Music Guide’s resident jazzbo, Scott Yanow.
“After bassist/composer Charles Mingus’ death on January 5, 1979, a reunion band featuring some of his former sidemen called Mingus Dynasty was formed. Cut just six months after the bassist’s demise, this album was the first Mingus Dynasty recording, and it has its moments. Such alumni as altoist John Handy, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, trumpeter Jimmy Owens, and tenorman Joe Farrell meet up with two members of Mingus’ last major band (pianist Don Pullen and drummer Dannie Richmond), plus bassist Charlie Haden, who ably fills in for the late bandleader. In addition to “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” (which was becoming popular at the time), the septet performs three numbers from Mingus’ collaboration with Joni Mitchell, plus “Boogie Stop Shuffle” and “My Jelly Roll Soul.” Handy and Pullen, in particular, fare well in this spirited setting, although one does miss the innovative bassist.”
Thanks, Scott. All I can add is if you’re looking for a fill-in bassist for a jazz project, you could do far, far worse than Charlie Haden. Other than that, you’ve been informed. Or as informed as you’re going to get reading my blog.
Sealed and original 1979 pressing. Outside of some super minor corner hiccups, a really nice copy for a mere twenty.
Musicstack…http://www.musicstack.com/item/64693369
Gemm…http://www.gemm.com/item/Mingus–Dynasty/Chair–In–The–Sky/GML1456775663/
graypunk 