Artist: Charles Mingus Album: Mingus Plays Piano

Year: 1964
Duration: 50:55

A Jazz Masterpiece: Mingus Plays Piano by Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus was an innovative and influential American jazz bassist, pianist, and composer in the mid-twentieth century. One of his less-known masterpieces is the album Mingus Plays Piano, which stands out for its unique composition style, minimalist approach to instrumentation, and standout songwriting. Let's dive deeper into this jazz masterpiece to understand why it's worth listening to and what makes it so innovative.

The Genre: Mingus Plays Piano is an instrumental jazz album with solo piano performances by Charles Mingus. It was recorded in 1963 and released in 1964 by Impulse Records. Although Mingus was known for his complex compositions and multi-instrumental music, Mingus Plays Piano is a stripped-back approach that focuses on his piano skills, demonstrating his ability to play with a delicate touch while still showcasing his unique style.

The Best Songs: The album features ten tracks composed by Mingus, including Myself When I am Real, No Private Income Blues, and Don't Blame Me. However, the standout piece is Orange Was the Colour of Her Dress, Then Silk Blues. This track displays Mingus's innovative composition techniques; the song is a spontaneous jam that he recorded in one take, and it features a complex mix of improvisation, blues, and jazz structures.

The Innovative Parts: Besides Orange Was the Colour of Her Dress, Then Silk Blues, another innovative aspect of the album is its melody structure. Mingus's composition style is marked by its use of structures and time signatures that are not typical in jazz music. For example, in Myself When I Am Real, Mingus shifts from three-four time to four-four time, creating a unique rhythm that sets it apart from standard jazz composition. This experimentation helped Mingus cement his status as one of the genre's most creative minds.

The Criticisms: While Mingus Plays Piano is an innovative work of art, some critics felt that the album lacked the complexity and depth of his other works. The minimalist approach left less room for improvisation and the use of multiple instruments that characterized his earlier albums. For some, it can feel monochromatic at times due to the lack of variety in instrumentation making it less vibrant in comparison to his other works. Despite this, Mingus's skill on the piano shines bright, making it a compelling listen for jazz enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the album Mingus Plays Piano is a gem in the jazz world, displaying the unique talents of Charles Mingus and his ability to experiment with the genre's composition style. While this may not be Mingus's most intricate body of work, it brings a new dimension to his legacy and testifies to his immense creativity. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or not, the album's simplicity makes it accessible to all and provides an excellent introduction to Mingus's unique style.