A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
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Mingus Big Band I am Three Release Date: 06/13/05 Score: 9.7 out of 10.0 |
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"I am Three" is the latest release from the Mingus Big Band. This album features works performed by each of the different Mingus Legacy bands: Mingus Big Band, Orchestra and Dynasty. Each group is made of up slightly different instrumentation and has a distinct take on the compositions.
The album starts off on a powerful note with "Song with Orange" by the Mingus Big Band and builds from a piano introduction into a full out massive blues shuffle. This is probably my favorite song on the album as it blew me away when I first put the cd in my car. Most of the songs are performed by the Big Band and they are as tight as ever. The improvisation is top notch and all the arrangements are great. The Dynasty group was solid as well with a great rendition of "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" to close out the album.
The Mingus Orchestra plays the two classical influenced pieces on the album, "Chill of Death" and "Todo Modo", which at first seems to distract away from the album but end up giving the listener a broader sense of Mingus' ability. The two classical works also bring a sense of refinement to the otherwise organized chaos that is prevalent in many of Mingus' compositions.
Overall I would have to say that this has become one of my personal favorites. There aren't any weaknesses in the album. The playing is top notch, the arrangements are great and album flows together really well. It inspires and entertains from start to finish. I would highly recommend it to any jazz fan that is looking to pick up a new great album.
-Adam Wirtala
July 29, 2005
