Charles Mingus - Tijuana Moods
Charlie Mingus (bass) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Charles Mingus]
Curtis Porter (as); Jimmy Knepper (tb); Clarence Shaw (tp); Bill Triglia (p); Dannie Richmond, Frankie Dunlop (perc); Danny Richmond (dr), Lonnie Elder (voices)
Written by Charles Mingus (A1, A2, B1, B2), Dizzy Gillespie (A1), Edmund Anderson (B3), Ted Grouya (B3)
1 LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Speed : 33 RPM
Record Press : unspecified
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Speakers Corner
Original Label : RCA
Recording: July and August 1957 in RCA Victor's Studio A, New York City, by Bob Simpson
Production: Bob Rolontz
Originally released in 1962
Reissued in 2013
Tracks :
Side A :
1. Dizzy Moods
2. Ysabel's Table Dance
Side B :
1. Tijuana Gift Shop
2. Los Mariachis (the Street Musicians)
3. Flamingo
"This is the best record I ever made." Charles Mingus
Reviews :
« Inspired by a trip to Tijuana, Tijuana Moods was recorded in 1957 but was sat on by RCA until its release in 1962. Bassist/composer Charles Mingus at the time said that this was his greatest recording, and it certainly ranks near the top. The original version, which was usually edited together from a few different takes, consisted of just five performances. It has often been said that Mingus forced and pressured his sidemen to play above their potential, and that is certainly true of this project. Altoist Shafi Hadi (who doubles on tenor) is in blazing form on "Ysabel's Table Dance," while trumpeter Clarence Shaw (who was praised by Mingus for his short lyrical solo on "Flamingo") sounds quite haunting on "Los Mariachis." Trombonist Jimmy Knepper and drummer Dannie Richmond made other great recordings, but they are in particularly superior form throughout this session, as is the obscure pianist Bill Triglia. Completing the band is Ysabel Morel on vocals and Frankie Dunlop on castanets. While "Dizzy's Moods" is based on "Woody'N You," and "Flamingo" is given a fresh treatment, the other three songs are quite original, with "Tijuana Gift Shop" having a catchy, dissonant riff that sticks in one's mind. The passionate playing, exciting ensembles, and high-quality compositions make this a real gem, and it represents one of Charles Mingus' finest hours. » AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
When this LP was released in 1962, it was honoured with the maximum number of stars that Downbeat, the most famous of all jazz magazines, could award. And nota bene the recordings were already five years old! Is there any better proof that the composer and arranger Charlie Mingus was ahead of his time? As a double bassist he was rather less virtuosic than his fellow musicians – and not just on these recordings. However, these five numbers earned every single star of the five they were awarded. They illustrate his masterly handling of Mexican folk music and his skill in integrating it into his jazz.
The small ensemble of Clarence Shaw, whom Mingus described as a super-improviser on the trumpet, Jimmy Knepper, a technical ace on the trombone, the legendary tenor saxophone player Shafi Hadi, and his longstanding friend Dannie Richmond on the drums all earn the very highest recognition, even though the sextet of 1963/64 once more enhanced their creativity in later years.
No record collection is complete without the present highlight. Grab this opportunity to close the gap on your shelf, especially since these recorded jewels have an unusually good sound.
Ratings :
Allmusic : 5 / 5 , Discogs : Rate Your Music :