Mingus Big Band Live at Jazz Standard Album Now Available

Mingus Big Band Live at Jazz Standard Available June 1st. Following the 88th birthday of legendary bassist, composer and bandleader Charles Mingus (1922-1979), his spirit and repertoire is kept alive with the recent album release of Mingus Big Band Live at Jazz Standard. Recorded live at Jazz Standard on New Year's Eve 2008 as part of a nationwide NPR-WBGO "Toast of the Nation" broadcast (and later enhanced during in-studio post-production), the CD celebrates some of Mingus' best-known tunes from exactly 50 years ago.

Co-produced by Sue Mingus and Seth Abramson, Mingus Big Band Live at Jazz Standard marks the tenth Mingus Big Band recording, six of which have been nominated for Grammys. According to Sue Mingus, who produces Jazz Standard's "Mingus Mondays" series, "this recording embodies the essence of Mingus' spirit from ‘Goodbye Pork Pie Hat' - perhaps his best-known composition- to the rarely performed ‘New Now Know How.' "

"We're thrilled to be sharing what was an unprecedented and memorable night of music performed on our Jazz Standard stage," exclaims Seth Abramson, Artistic Director of Jazz Standard.

Mingus Big Band Live at Jazz Standard showcases swinging dance tunes, gospel hollers, church music, lush ballads and, of course, the blues. The opening track is a Charlie Parker tribute, "Gunslinging Bird," followed by "New Now Know How" performed here for the first time since its original recording in a new arrangement by Sy Johnson. It features a trumpet battle between Kenny Rampton and Randy Brecker, who recorded with Mingus on his final album and has played in Mingus repertory bands since they began 30 years ago.

Performed back-to-back are two of Mingus' preeminent compositions: "Moanin," followed by probably the most covered Mingus tune, "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," an enduring classic written in honor of Lester Young. Ending New Year's Eve at midnight before a celebratory crowd, and rounding out the album, is "Song with Orange," in an arrangement by John Stubblefield, a former member of the Mingus Big Band who ignited Mingus music for over a decade.

Mingus Big Band Live at Jazz Standard augments the long-term "Mingus Mondays" performance series at Jazz Standard. Raved as probably the best in the world, "...the weekly Monday Mingus show at the Jazz Standard is New York's most transcendent weekly residency (LucidCulture.com)."

About Mingus Big Band
The Mingus Big Band celebrates the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus, who died in 1979. Under the artistic direction of Sue Mingus, this 14-piece band performed Thursday nights from 1991 to 2004 at Fez under Time Cafe in New York City. It maintained weekly residencies in the city from May 2004 until October 2008, when it began "Mingus Mondays" at Jazz Standard where it alternates with the Mingus Orchestra and Mingus Dynasty. The Mingus Big Band tours extensively in the United States and abroad, and has ten recordings to its credit, six of which have been nominated for Grammys. http://www.mingusmingusmingus.com

About Jazz Standard

Awarded "Best Jazz Club 2008" by New York Magazine, Jazz Standard (116 East 27th Street, New York City) brings the legendary artists of today and the brightest stars of tomorrow ranging from classic jazz to funk, R&B, blues, and more. Jazz Standard presents an extraordinary lineup of world-class artists, warm hospitality, pitch-perfect sound, comfortable seating - and earlier sets so you can drop in after work. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a budding fan, the club delivers a fun and memorable evening filled with soulful music and mouthwatering barbecue. Jazz Standard serves Blue Smoke's award-winning barbecue complemented by specialty cocktails, beers and wine. Blue Smoke & Jazz Standard are part of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. http://www.jazzstandard.com

Track Listing (TRT 71m 57s):
1) Gunslinging Bird (7:31)
2) New Now Know-How (5:58)
3) Self-Portrait in Three Colors (2:53)
4) Birdcalls (5:50)
5) E's Flat, Ah's Flat Too (7:08)
6) Cryin' Blues (7:35)
7) Open Letter to Duke (7:12)
8) Moanin' (9:35)
9) Goodbye Porkpie Hat (5:52)
10) Song with Orange (12:23)