In 1966 documentary filmmaker Thomas Reichman sought to capture Mingus’s experience as a Black public figure in the midst of the emergent civil rights era, and in doing so, also offered viewers a rare insight into the private creative process of the composer. During the film, Mingus can twice be seen working out a new theme at the piano while his daughter Keki sits next to him. 50 years on, this brief, playful theme was recrafted by long-time Mingus friend and collaborator Sy Johnson to create a fully-formed big band arrangement entitled "Song For Keki", that debuts on the new Mingus Big Band album! Listen at link in bio.
