Having exhausted most of the late bassist's best-known songs,
the Mingus Big Band emphasizes obscurities (such as "Sue's Changes," "Children's Hour of Dream" and "Chair in the Sky"), along with later-period work, on their third release,
Live in Time, a double CD. The orchestra really digs into the complex material, and they perform
Mingus' almost impossible-to-play originals with joy, swing and constant excitement. Among the many all-stars on this fascinating and highly enjoyable set (all of whom are featured) are trumpeters
Randy Brecker,
Philip Harper and
Ryan Kisor, trombonists
Frank Lacy,
Robin Eubanks and
Britt Woodman, altoists
Gary Bartz and
Steve Slagle,
Seamus Blake,
Mark Shim and
John Stubblefield on tenors,
Ronnie Cuber or
Gary Smulyan on baritone and
Kenny Drew Jr. or
John Hicks on piano. The gloriously overcrowded ensembles, the explosive solos and the spirit of
Mingus are three of the many reasons to acquire this memorable effort.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi