Mingus Moves! To Jazz Standard in October 2008
Mingus Moves! To Jazz Standard in October 2008 Media Contact: Theresa Mullen, 646.747.7217, tmullen [at] ushgnyc.comMINGUS MOVES! TO JAZZ STANDARD IN OCTOBER
ANNOUNCING MINGUS MONDAYS AT JAZZ STANDARD
MINGUS DYNASTY, ORCHESTRA & BIG BAND ESTABLISH A NEW LONG-TERM RESIDENCY AT NEW YORK’S FOREMOST JAZZ CLUB• OUTSTANDING MUSICIANS FROM ACROSS THE GENERATIONS FILL THE RANKS OF THREE GREAT BANDS NEW YORK CITY/AUGUST 28 — Jazz Standard and Sue Mingus announced today a new home for the music of legendary jazz composer/bassist/band leader Charles Mingus. Beginning with a gala week of performances in October, the Mingus organization will begin its long-term residency at Jazz Standard with alternating weekly appearances by Mingus Dynasty, the Mingus Orchestra, and the Mingus Big Band. Monday nights at Jazz Standard, beginning October 6, 2008, will be known as “Mingus Mondays”.
The new extended engagement kicks off October 6-7 with performances by Mingus Dynasty the original Charles Mingus legacy group, formed by Sue Mingus from among his most valuable sidemen shortly after their leader’s death in 1979. Although lineups are still being confirmed at press time, recent editions of Mingus Dynasty have included saxophonists Craig Handy, Seamus Blake, and Jaleel Shaw; trombonists Conrad Herwig and Ku-umba Frank Lacy; and pianists Orrin Evans and David Kikoski, with the redoubtable Boris Kozlov (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums) holding down the rhythm section.
The excitement continues October 8-9 with the Mingus Orchestra. Sue Mingus assembled the Mingus Orchestra in 1999 to focus on Charles Mingus’ compositions, with less emphasis on extended soloing. The Orchestra’s distinctive sound emerges from an expanded repertoire and a diverse instrumentation that may include bassoon, bass clarinet, French horn, and guitar.
From October 10-12, the Mingus Big Band will hold forth at Jazz Standard. Writing in The New York Times, Jon Pareles hailed the Big Band for having “revived Charles Mingus’ repertory and the brawling, muscular, hard-swinging, bluesy way he wanted it played.”
"We are delighted and honored to have Jazz Standard chosen by Sue Mingus as the new home for this timeless music,” said Seth Abramson, artistic director for Jazz Standard. “The genius of Charles Mingus’ compositions and arrangements is matched by the talent and enthusiasm of the players in each of these three outstanding bands.”