LEGENDS OF JAZZ BASS-CHARLES MINGUS

Charles Mingus was a great innovator in the realm of jazz. His compositions and playing style often went beyond categorization. He would sometimes allow his groups to engage in collective improvisation (similar to the old New Orleans styles), which allowed for a freer sound in much of his music.

Charles was also known for his temper, and got nicknamed "The angry man of jazz." He would never compromise what he wanted to do musically, and he even got into some on-stage arguments with other players. He was considered the heir to Duke Ellington, because like Duke, he wrote his music based on the strengths of the musicians in his group.

When I first got interested in jazz many years ago, it was so great to hear some of Mingus' music for the first time. It was so far out, complex, ever-changing and grooving. Words do not do the best job describing his music...you should hear and see some for yourself...

Tim Kurteff-Schatz

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