Mingus Ah Um

I heard it on the radio the other night, don't know any thing about Mingus but it blew me away. Not even sure I have got the name of the song right. Very jazzy upbeat don't think there were any voices on it can any one help me?? is there a way get the list if songs on the albums up on the screen using Amazon so I can search it out. Help1


Essential   July 25, 2004
 23 out of 24 found this review helpful

In a era that produced such original composers as Thelonious Monk and Herbie Nichols , Mingus' approach to composition always seemed more organic and embedded deeper within the roots of jazz than these contemporaries. (Nichols, in particular, had the musical knowledge to look outside of jazz for inspiration.) This is largely compensated by the sheer physical emotion of the music that largely consisted of material based upon the blues. The impact of Mingus is immediate and passionate. On top of this, he was influenced by the music of Duke Ellington and was a great believer in the need for sudden shifts in tempo and mood with which to colour his music. This approach probably reached it's zenith in "Mingus Ah Um" where his group deliever the definative performances of some of his most celebrated tunes.
From the opening gospel inspired number in 6/8 time through to the loving dixieland pastiche dedicated to a certain Mr. Jelly Roll Morton at the end, this is gripping stuff. The music ranges from exciting bebop such as "Boogie Stop Shuffle" through to "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", a threnody to Lester Young.
This is not only an essential purchase for fans of the bassist, but should be in every jazz collection. The whole performance is driven along by the great Dannie Richmond on drums and the energy he provides merits this purchase alone. A true jazz classic.


Mingus at his best   October 17, 2003
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

Not much more to say than - Buy this album! - Mingus is really at his very best here, quality of the recording is breathtaking, close your eyes, light a cigar and drift off to Chicago!


A must have jazz album   June 30, 2001
 16 out of 17 found this review helpful

This rates as one of my top five Jazz albums of all time. A mix of longer structured pieces with a mid-sized band but tinged with bop-like improvisation and character. If you know all the classics (the best of Miles, Ellington et al) and are looking for something as good that's a little less well known this is certainly one to go for.