Mingus Dynasty - Live at Montreux

2001 U.S. CD reissue.

The second Mingus Dynasty recording displays plenty of energy as the music of Charles Mingus (who had passed away 18 months earlier) is kept alive. Of the musicians in the septet, only trombonist Jimmy Knepper (who provided most of the arrangements) was a longtime member of Mingus' bands. Most of the other players (tenor saxophonist Joe Farrell, trumpeter Randy Brecker, pianist Sir Roland Hanna and drummer Billy Hart) had only had short-term associations with Mingus, whose bass spot is filled by both Aladar Page and Mike Richmond. For the recorded concert, they perform six of the bassist's compositions, mixing together some famous tunes (including "Haitian Fight Song" and "Better Git Hit in Your Soul") with a couple of obscurities ("Consider Me, Oh Lord" and "Sketch Two," which was composed during his last year). Although having two bassists in his spot made sense, one does generally miss the presence of Mingus, even if some fireworks occur during these spirited interpretations.

AllMusicGuide