Blues & Politics (1999)

About this title: The MBB has become the most important and virile "ghost band" of them all. Their roaring, swinging spirit echoes the late bassist/composer/bandleader in ways that compare favorably to when Mingus was alive. The musicianship, rotating as it tends to, is consistently and outrageously outstanding, the new arrangements of classic Mingus tunes are fresh and vibrant as ever, and solos absolutely riveting. For this time around the band includes lead trumpeter Earl Gardner, lead alto/soprano saxophonist Alex Foster, and prominent soloists include tenor saxophonists Mark Shim, Seamus Blake, and John ... read more

Tracks:

1. It Was a Lonely Day in Selma, Alabama/Freedom [Mingus]
2. Haitian Fight Song [Mingus]
3. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat [Mingus]
4. Don't Let It Happen Here [Mingus]
5. Meditation on a Pair of Wire Cutters [a.k.a Meditations] [Mingus]
6. Pussy Cat Dues [Mingus]
7. Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb on Me [Mingus]
8. Little Royal Suite [Mingus]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.