CHARLES MINGUS
Mingus Moves (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Mingus Moves, originally released on Atlantic in 1973, found Charles Mingus moving in several ways, though all of them in a forward direction. The album represented his return to Atlantic records after over a decade, and with him came a brand new Jazz Workshop lineup. Former Mingus drummer Dannie Richmond returned to the fold, joining Ronald Hampton (trumpet), George Adams (tenor, flute) and Don Pullen (piano).

Along with the new label and lineup, Mingus departed somewhat from his recent practice with a selection of material for which others claimed the majority of the composing credits. Only three of the cuts, "Canon," "Opus 3" and "Opus 4," were Mingus originals. There was one from Pullen, one from Adams, one from Doug Hammond, who served as the Workshop drummer during Richmond's hiatus, and one by Sy Johnson, an arranger active on the New York scene. All the compositions, though, reflected the impact that Charles Mingus had, by that time, had on the world of jazz composition.

The music on Mingus Moves is even tempered and even paced, for the most part, emphasizing the inside elements of Mingus' approach, but the play is consistently strong, with particularly noteworthy contributions from Don Pullen's piano. If there's a soft spot, it may be the vocals by Honey Gordon and Doug Hammond on Hammond's "Moves." I don't find them to be a noteworthy enhancement to the track, but mine may well be a minority view on that score. Overall, this is a fine addition to the CD catalog of Charles Mingus.

Track List: Canon * Opus 4 * Moves * Wee * Flowers For A Lady * Newcomer * Opus 3

© 1999 - Shaun Dale