Recorded in jazz’s golden year of 1959, Mingus Dynasty is often overshadowed by Mingus Ah Um, but it stands as one of Charles Mingus’ most ambitious works. Expanding his regular band with additional players, he pushed his compositions into more intricate territory. With a lineup featuring Richard Williams, Jimmy Knepper, John Handy, Booker Ervin, Roland Hanna, and Dannie Richmond—plus guests like Benny Golson and Jerome Richardson—Mingus crafted a dynamic set blending gospel-infused grooves (Slop), Ellington tributes, and the sweeping masterpiece Far Wells, Mill Valley. A daring, essential listen.
Details
Tracklist
| A1 | Slop | ||
| A2 | Diane | ||
| A3 | Song with Orange | ||
| A4 | Gunslinging Bird | ||
| B1 | Things Ain't What They Used To Be | ||
| B2 | Far Wells, Mill Valley | ||
| B3 | New Now, Know How | ||
| B4 | Mood Indigo | ||
| B5 | Put Me In That Dungeon |
Credits
- Charles Mingus
- Bass
- Maurice Brown
- Cello (A1, B1, B4, B5)
- Seymour Barab
- Cello (A1, B1, B4, B5)
- Dannie Richmond
- Drums
- Roland Hanna
- Piano
- Benny Golson
- Saxophone (A2 to A4, B2, B3)
- Booker Ervin
- Saxophone
- John Handy
- Saxophone
- Jerome Richardson
- Saxophone, Flute (A2 to A4, B2, B3)
- James Knepper
- Trombone
- Donald Ellis
- Trumpet (A1, B1, B4, B5)
- Dick Williams
- Trumpet (A2 to A4, B2, B3)
- Theodore Cohen
- Vibraphone (A2 to A4, B2, B3)
