Album Info
| Artist: | Charlie Mingus |
| Album: | Pre-Bird |
| Released: | Worldwide, 29 Sept 2023 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Take The "A" train (Interpolation: Exactly Like You) | 3:34 |
| Written-By - Billy Strayhorn | ||
| Written-By [Interpolation] - Jimmy McHugh & Dorothy Fields | ||
| A2 | Prayer For Passive Resistance | 3:49 |
| Written-By - Charles Mingus | ||
| A3 | Eclipse | 3:45 |
| Vocals [Vocal] - Lorraine Cousins | ||
| Written-By - Charles Mingus | ||
| A4 | Mingus Fingus No. 2 | 3:22 |
| Written-By - Charles Mingus | ||
| A5 | Weird Nightmare | 3:35 |
| Vocals [Vocal] - Lorraine Cousins | ||
| Written-By - Charles Mingus | ||
| B1 | Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me (Interpolation: I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart) | 3:33 |
| Written-By - Bob Russell, Duke Ellington | ||
| Written-By [Interpolation] - Duke Ellington, H. Nemo, Irving Mills, J. Redmond | ||
| B2 | Bemoanable Lady | 4:22 |
| Written-By - Charles Mingus | ||
| B3 | Half-Mast Inhibition | 8:12 |
| Conductor [Conducted By] - Gunther Schuller | ||
| Percussion - Max Roach | ||
| Written-By - Charles Mingus |
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Description
Charles Mingus's album Pre-Bird is a fascinating exploration of his early compositional ideas and a testament to his innovative approach to jazz. Released in 1961, this album serves as a retrospective of sorts, revisiting and reimagining works Mingus had composed before his collaborations with Charlie Parker, hence the title "Pre-Bird." It’s a unique entry in Mingus’s discography, showcasing his ability to blend complex arrangements with raw emotional power.
The album features a large ensemble, and Mingus’s arrangements make full use of the diverse instrumentation. The opening track, "Take the 'A' Train", is a nod to Duke Ellington, one of Mingus’s major influences. However, Mingus’s version is anything but a straightforward cover. It’s infused with his signature style, full of unexpected twists and a palpable sense of urgency. This sets the tone for the rest of the album, which is both a tribute to jazz traditions and a bold step forward.
One of the standout tracks is "Half-Mast Inhibition", a piece Mingus originally composed when he was just 17 years old. The track is a sprawling, ambitious work that hints at the genius Mingus would later fully realize. The arrangement is intricate, with shifting tempos and a rich tapestry of instrumental voices. It’s a challenging listen, but one that rewards close attention.
Another highlight is "Prayer for Passive Resistance", a piece that combines a gospel-like fervor with a driving, almost march-like rhythm. It’s a powerful example of Mingus’s ability to convey deep emotion through his music. The ensemble playing here is particularly tight, with each musician contributing to the overall intensity of the piece.
The album also includes "Weird Nightmare", a hauntingly beautiful composition that features Mingus’s characteristic use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. The piece has an almost dreamlike quality, with a sense of unease lurking beneath its surface beauty. It’s a perfect example of Mingus’s ability to push the boundaries of jazz while still creating music that is deeply affecting.
Pre-Bird is not just a collection of songs; it’s a statement of intent. It shows Mingus’s determination to challenge the conventions of jazz and to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The album’s production, handled by Teo Macero, captures the energy and complexity of Mingus’s vision. The sound is rich and full, with each instrument given its due prominence.
While Pre-Bird may not be as well-known as some of Mingus’s later works, such as Mingus Ah Um or The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, it is an essential part of his discography. It provides valuable insight into his development as a composer and bandleader, and it contains some truly remarkable music. For fans of Mingus or anyone interested in the evolution of jazz, Pre-Bird is a must-listen.
