Mingus Dynasty - Plak

'Mingus Dynasty', like its predecessor and Columbia companion 'Mingus Ah Um', was recorded in 1959, a watershed year for the insuperable, eruptive bassist-composer Charles Mingus. Leading what amounted to a repertory company comprising some of New York's best and most creative improvisers, Mingus musically challenged two ensembles as they'd never been challenged before.

The music herein remains as arresting as the LP's original cover photograph of a mock-imperious Mingus in full Chinese emperor regalia was eye-catching. There are familiar Mingus themes with the mercurial artist honoring two generations of Ellington, his idol, Duke (whose 'Mood Indigo' contains a virtuosic bass solo) and the maestro's son, Mercer ('Things Ain't What They Used To Be').

There are also a pair of fiery gospel-and-blues originals - 'Slop' and 'Gunslinging Bird' - in the driving 6/8 time that was Mingus' personal property. And there are complex pieces such as 'Far Wells, Mill Valley' and 'Diane', which after an atonal beginning, opens like a flower to yield one of Mingus' most touching themes.

The collective personal would be hard to beat in 1959, or any other year; Don Ellis and Richard Williams (trumpets); Jimmy Knepper (trombone); Booker Ervin, John Handy, Benny Golson and Jerome Richardson (reeds); Roland Hanna (piano); Teddy Charles (vibes); and Dannie Richmond (drums); while production comes from Teo Macero.'