Artist: Charles Mingus Album: Mingus Moves

Year: 1974
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Mingus Moves by Charles Mingus

Jazz lovers, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the review of one of the most distinguished and innovative jazz albums of all time. The creator of this masterpiece is none other than the legendary Charles Mingus, an acclaimed jazz bassist, and composer. This review provides an in-depth insight into the album, Mingus Moves. We’ll discuss everything from the album genre, a brief history of Charles Mingus to the best tracks and innovative elements. This review will give you a new appreciation for this incredible album.

Before diving deep into the album’s content, let’s first get acquainted with the artist. Charles Mingus, born in 1922, was an American jazz musician and composer who played the double bass. He was a prolific composer who brought a lot of diversity to jazz music and was known for his unique style. He started his music career in the 1940s and ‘50s, where he worked with some of the best musicians of that era. He then went on to form his own bands and became one of the most influential jazz musicians of his time.

Mingus Moves is a jazz-fusion album and was recorded in 1973. The album was produced by Sue Mingus, Charles Mingus's wife, and features some of the best musicians of that time, including Don Pullen, George Adams, and Hamiet Bluett. The album exudes a varied range of styles from hard bop to avant-garde jazz, along with heavy funk-influenced rhythms, which make this album truly innovative for its time.

The album consists of six songs. The best tracks on the album are “Moves,” “Fables of Faubus,” and “Newcomer.” “Moves” is a soulful number that features extended piano solos by Don Pullen, whereas “Fables of Faubus” is a hard bop track that showcases Mingus’s passion for muscular bass playing. Finally, “Newcomer” highlights the haunting melancholy of Mingus’s composing style, with intricate horn arrangements and a tender piano melody.

Mingus Moves is an innovative album where Charles Mingus brings forth his unique composing style. The album features a blend of hard bop, soul, and avant-garde jazz - a feat that was rare in the early 70s. The most innovative part is undoubtedly the use of the Mingus big band with a range of horns and brass that produce stunning sounds. The brass section often plays in harmony producing a fusion of sound that is truly mesmerizing.

However, the album does have some drawbacks, one of which is the occasional lack of cohesion between the songs. The transitions between the tracks are a bit abrupt, and it's evident when you listen to the album all together. Additionally, the album can be quite unconventional for listeners who aren’t accustomed to Jazz-fusion.

Charles Mingus was one of the present-day geniuses of Jazz, and with Mingus Moves, he created an album that truly reflects his artistic persona. It’s a testament to Mingus's innovation, and how he managed to seamlessly blend various jazz styles into one masterful piece of work. The album’s highlights are many, but it does come with some imperfections, which is normal for most albums. Overall, Mingus Moves is a timeless classic and a must-listen for Jazz lovers who are interested in a fusion of various styles of Jazz music.

Charles Mingus was one of the present-day geniuses of Jazz, and with Mingus Moves, he created an album that truly reflects his artistic persona. It’s a testament to Mingus's innovation, and how he managed to seamlessly blend various jazz styles into one masterful piece of work. The album’s highlights are many, but it does come with some imperfections, which is normal for most albums. Overall, Mingus Moves is a timeless classic and a must-listen for Jazz lovers who are interested in a fusion of various styles of Jazz music.