Album Info
| Artist: | Charlie Mingus |
| Album: | Blues & Roots |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Released: | Europe, 2017 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting | |
| A2 | Cryin' Blues | |
| A3 | Moanin' | |
| B1 | Tensions | |
| B2 | My Jelly Roll Soul | |
| B3 | E's Flat Ah's Flat Too |
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Description
"Blues & Roots" is an album by the legendary jazz bassist and composer Charles Mingus, released in 1960 on Atlantic Records. This album stands as a testament to Mingus's deep roots in the blues and gospel traditions, and it showcases his ability to blend these genres with the complexity and sophistication of modern jazz.
The album was recorded on February 4, 1959, but it wasn't released until a year later. Mingus was reportedly inspired to create "Blues & Roots" after a critic suggested that he should return to his blues and gospel roots. Taking this to heart, Mingus crafted an album that is both a homage to these genres and a bold statement of his own unique style.
"Blues & Roots" features a stellar lineup of musicians, including:
- Charles Mingus on bass
- John Handy on alto saxophone and clarinet
- Jackie McLean on alto saxophone
- Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone
- Pepper Adams on baritone saxophone
- Jimmy Knepper and Willie Dennis on trombone
- Horace Parlan on piano
- Dannie Richmond on drums
The album opens with "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting," a track that immediately sets the tone with its exuberant, gospel-infused energy. The call-and-response patterns and the fervent, almost sermon-like solos evoke the atmosphere of a lively church service. Mingus's bass lines are both grounding and propulsive, driving the ensemble forward with a sense of urgency and passion.
"Cryin' Blues" follows, offering a more introspective take on the blues. The track features soulful solos from Handy and Ervin, with Mingus providing a steady, mournful underpinning. The interplay between the musicians is tight and responsive, highlighting Mingus's skill as a bandleader and arranger.
"Moanin'" is perhaps the most well-known track on the album, thanks in part to its catchy, riff-based melody. Originally composed by pianist Bobby Timmons for Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Mingus's version is more raucous and raw, with a powerful baritone saxophone solo by Pepper Adams that stands out as a highlight.
"Tensions" is a more complex and dissonant piece, reflecting Mingus's interest in pushing the boundaries of jazz. The track features intricate horn arrangements and shifting tempos, creating a sense of unease and unpredictability. It's a challenging listen, but one that rewards careful attention.
"My Jelly Roll Soul" pays tribute to one of Mingus's early influences, the pioneering jazz composer Jelly Roll Morton. The track combines a playful, New Orleans-style melody with Mingus's characteristic rhythmic drive and harmonic sophistication. The result is a joyous, swinging celebration of jazz history.
The album closes with "E's Flat Ah's Flat Too," a high-energy romp that features some of the most spirited playing on the record. The track's title is a playful reference to the flattened notes in the blues scale, and the music itself is a whirlwind of bluesy riffs and exuberant solos.
"Blues & Roots" is a masterful album that captures the essence of Charles Mingus's musical vision. It's a record that pays homage to the past while pushing jazz forward into new and exciting territory. The performances are uniformly excellent, with each musician contributing to the album's vibrant, dynamic sound. For fans of Mingus and jazz in general, "Blues & Roots" is an essential listen, offering a powerful reminder of the enduring power and relevance of the blues.