his edition of Big Band Charlie Mingus, a large scale version of the ongoing Mingus Dynasty project, includes a number of performers (Jimmy Knepper, Jaki Byard, the late Clifford Jordan and John Handy, among others) who had played in different editions of the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop. The group also boasts a stellar saxophone section in John Handy, alto; David Murray, tenor and bass clarinet; Clifford Jordan, tenor and soprano; and Nick Brignola, baritone and flute. This disc features four lengthy versions of favorite Mingus compositions. The ensembles are occasionally a bit ragged, and there are the inevitable dull moments that occur in most live recordings, but the spirit is there and the solos are mostly pretty strong, particularly from David Murray and Jaki Byard. ~ Stuart Kremsky|

Rovi

This edition of Big Band Charlie Mingus, a large scale version of the ongoing Mingus Dynasty project, includes a number of performers (Jimmy Knepper, Jaki Byard, the late Clifford Jordan and John Handy, among others) who had played in different editions of the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop. The group also boasts a stellar saxophone section in John Handy, alto; David Murray, tenor and bass clarinet; Clifford Jordan, tenor and soprano; and Nick Brignola, baritone and flute. This disc features four lengthy versions of favorite Mingus compositions. The ensembles are occasionally a bit ragged, and there are the inevitable dull moments that occur in most live recordings, but the spirit is there and the solos are mostly pretty strong, particularly from David Murray and Jaki Byard. ~ Stuart Kremsky

Rovi