Columbia Jazz Profiles - Charles Mingus

Advantages: Fantastic display of Jazz composition
Disadvantages: Jazz isn't for everyone

...Charles Mingus - In a Soulful Mood. Charles Mingus, also known as "The angry man of Jazz", is a fantastic jazz bassist and composer. He was born in 1922 in Arizona and picked up the Double Bass in high school. He had previously learnt to play the cello and trombone so many of his cello skills were converted to double bass. In his early years he was composing incredibly advanced jazz pieces, some of which to be recorded later on. Over his career Mingus recorded in excess of 70 records with various musicians passing through his often unconventional bands. He tended to focus on the personality, as well as the ability, of a musician to see how he would fit into the band. He ran a jazz workshop that included around 8 members and shaped musicians into unconventional ways that explored their improvisational talents. Pieces... Read review

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...After his unexpected death, Ray charles left 60 years of his time on his record label, making timeless music, with mixture of jazz, blues, gospel, country, soul, and rock ’n‘ roll. There was something very memorable about his unforgettable performances, he truely inspired alot of modern artists with his music. This new released album is duet album...every song is a duet with the worlds hottest soul/jazz singers: Nelson, Norah Jones, Natalie Cole, Bonnie Raitt and many more. it has to be said that he does shine the most with his duets, for example of a very heart moving duet is "Here We Go Again" feat the new shining talent Nora Jones, a soul beat ballad, a beautifull romantic recreation. The duet with James Taylor "Sweet Potato" which shifts into neo-soul sounds, with gitar riffs and the very unmissable saxaphone. "You... Read review

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Advantages: Some really good tracks
Disadvantages: Some are "so-so"

...Vintage Jazz Volume 4 is another of my all-time favourite jazz CDs, as it does exactly what it sys on the label, it IE.. it contain some really fine examples of some of the best classic jazz. Coleman Hawkins as his All Star Jam Band, featuring every example of the best jazz instruments, guitar, drums, clarinet, all performing together as one on Honeysuckle Rose. And please note the use of the word "jam" in the name of the band. As they say, there really is nothing new under the sun! The next track is also by Coleman Hawkins and His All Star Jam Band, but is a totally different style of jazz as they give a rip-roaring, jumping version of Sweet Georgia Brown. Crazy Rhythm is the next track an is also from Coleman Hawkins and His All Star Jam Band. Crazy Rhythm? Well, no all that crazy, and it is another example of the multi... Read review

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