Mingus Dynasty, like its predecessor and Columbia companion Mingus Ah Um, was recorded in 1959, a watershed year for the insuperable, eruptive bassist and composer Charles Mingus. Leading what amounted to a repertory company comprising some of New York's best and most creative improvisers, Mingus musically challenged two ensembles as they'd never been challenged before. A timeless masterpiece!

• Limited Edition (2000 Units)
• 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• Pressed at Pallas in Germany
• Mastered by Bernie Grundman
• Cut from the Original Analog Master Tapes

Mingus Dynasty, like its predecessor and Columbia companion Mingus Ah Um, was recorded in 1959, a watershed year for the insuperable, eruptive bassist-composer Charles Mingus. Leading what amounted to a repertory company comprising some of New York's best and most creative improvisers, Mingus musically challenged two ensembles as they'd never been challenged before.

The music herein remains as arresting as the LP's original cover photograph of a mock-imperious Mingus in full Chinese emperor regalia was eye-catching. There are familiar Mingus themes with the mercurial artist honoring two generations of Ellington, his idol, Duke (whose "Mood Indigo" contains a virtuosic bass solo) and the maestro's son, Mercer ("Things Ain't What They Used To Be").

There are also a pair of fiery gospel-and-blues originals - "Slop" and "Gunslinging Bird" - in the driving 6/8 time that was Mingus' personal property. And there are complex pieces such as "Far Wells, Mill Valley" and "Diane," which after an atonal beginning, opens like a flower to yield one of Mingus' most touching themes.

The collective personal would be hard to beat in 1959, or any other year; Don Ellis and Richard Williams (trumpets); Jimmy Knepper (trombone); Booker Ervin, John Handy, Benny Golson and Jerome Richardson (reeds); Roland Hanna (piano); Teddy Charles (vibes); and Dannie Richmond (drums); while production comes from Teo Macero.

Musicians:

Ensemble A:  Richard Williams, trumpet / Jimmy Knepper, trombone / John Handy, alto saxophone / Booker Ervin, tenor saxophone / Benny Golson, tenor saxophone / Jerome Richardson, baritone saxophone / Teddy Charles, vibes / Roland Hanna, piano / Charles Mingus, bass / Dannie Richmond, drums.

Recorded at 30th Street Studio, NYC, November 1, 1959

Ensemble B: Don Ellis, trumpet /  Jimmy Knepper, trombone /  John Handy, alto saxophone /  Booker Ervin, tenor saxophone /  Roland Hanna, piano /  Charles Mingus, bass / Dannie Richmond, drums.

Recorded at 30th Street Studio, NYC, November 13, 1959

Original recordings produced by: Teo Macero
Recording Engineers: Ray Moore, Fred Plaut

Track Listing:

1. Slop
2. Diane
3. Song With Orange
4. Gunslinging Bird
5. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
6. Far Wells, Mill Valley
7. New Now, Know How
8. Mood Indigo
9. Put Me In That Dungeon

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫