Charles Mingus Quintet

Erickson Kiva, M.S.U.
Friday. May 21

Like many black artists who possess true genius, Charles Mingus has yet to be appreciated or respected to the degree he deserves. Outside of a relatively small group of jazz afficionados, the mass music audience is still denied access to the work of one of this century's greatest living musical pioneers. In Europe and Japan, Mingus is greatly loved; here in America, his own land, Mingus still has a hard time finding work even after more than 30 years as a top-ranked musician, dating back to the days of Charlie Parker.

It's not that people couldn't learn to absorb the sensually sweeping orchestrations of this man as much in America as they do in Europe. It's just that they aren't given a chance to hear it by those who program radio stations or determine which records to advertise and promote.
Thanks to the good work of the people who run Showcase Jazz at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mingus made one of his all too infrequent appearances in the state May 21st. He was preceded by a fine duet, Detroit's own Wendell Harrison and Harold McKinney. It was an action-packed performance, taut and clear, of old and new Mingus material, despite the fact that Mingus was breaking in a new tenor sax and piano player.

The planetarium-shaped, acoustically-perfect auditorium provided a highly intimate view of the Mingus ensemble for the 300 or so in attendance (an almost capacity crowd). Showcase Jazz can support their trip even with this small number due to its procurement of government arts grants.

Mingus's own ever-strong, lyrical bass work was complemented as always by the - great Danny Richmond on staccato drums. Replacing George Adams on tenor (who can be heard on Mingus' two most recent Atlantic recordings, the very fine Changes One and Two) was Harold Vick, whose work was melodic but not nearly as intense and uplifting as Adams'. Danny Mixon replaced the brilliant Don Pullen at the keyboards, providing some of the high solo moments of the evening with a unique brand of playing which often crossed over into a classical blend. And Jack Walrath held-down the trumpet position as he does so skillfully on Changes One and Two.
The band deftly raged through new versions of old favorites such as the bard-like "Fables of (Orville) Faubus" as well as more recent work. It was a stunning evening well worth the 90 minute drive to Lansing from Detroit. How about it, Clarence Baker, let's get Mingus to Detroit and Baker 's Keyboard soon!

- David Fenton