Charles Mingus - Charles Mingus And The Newport Rebels

Review by Ami Robbins

Charles Mingus And The Newport Rebels is a jazz album that showcases the brilliance of Charles Mingus and his fellow musicians. The album was recorded live at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960 and features a mix of original compositions and jazz standards.

Mingus' bass playing is the backbone of the album, and his compositions are complex and challenging. The Newport Rebels, which includes musicians like Eric Dolphy on alto saxophone and Booker Ervin on tenor saxophone, rise to the challenge and deliver virtuosic performances.

The album opens with the Mingus composition "Cryin' Blues," a slow blues tune that features Mingus' mournful bass playing and Dolphy's expressive saxophone. The album then moves into "Moanin'," a jazz standard that Mingus and his band give a fresh and energetic interpretation.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Fables of Faubus," a Mingus composition that was written in response to Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus' refusal to allow black students to attend Little Rock Central High School. The song features biting lyrics and a catchy melody that is sure to stick in the listener's head.

Summary by Ami Robbins

Charles Mingus And The Newport Rebels is a must-listen for jazz fans. Mingus' compositions are challenging and thought-provoking, and the musicianship on display is world-class. This album is a testament to the power of live jazz performances and the enduring legacy of Charles Mingus.