At UCLA 1965

Album Description

Experience the raw genius of Charles Mingus in "At UCLA 1965," a captivating live album that captures the legendary bassist, composer, and bandleader at the height of his creative prowess. Recorded on September 25, 1965, at Royce Hall in Los Angeles, this album is a testament to Mingus's enduring legacy and his unyielding commitment to his artistic vision.

Originally composed for the 1965 Monterey Jazz Festival, these compositions were not performed as intended due to a dispute with the festival's management. Mingus's frustration and determination to present his music as he envisioned it are palpable throughout this recording. The album features a mix of spoken words, lectures, and musical performances that offer a unique insight into Mingus's creative process and his uncompromising approach to jazz.

"At UCLA 1965" spans a variety of jazz styles, including hard bop, bebop, free jazz, and cool jazz, showcasing Mingus's versatility and innovation. The album includes iconic tracks such as "Meditation on Inner Peace," "Once Upon a Time, There Was a Holding Corporation Called Old America," and "The Arts of Tatum and Freddy Webster," each demonstrating Mingus's mastery of composition and improvisation.

The album's 19 tracks, totaling over an hour and a half, provide an intimate look at Mingus's artistic journey. From his opening speech to his final notes, Mingus's passion, intensity, and musical brilliance are on full display. This reissue, released by Sunnyside Records in 2006, includes the original liner notes from Mingus's book "Beneath the Underdog," adding depth and context to the listening experience.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Charles Mingus or a newcomer to his music, "At UCLA 1965" is a essential addition to any jazz collection. This live album offers a rare opportunity to witness the creative genius of one of jazz's most influential figures, captured in a moment of unbridled artistic expression.

September 26, 2006

2006 Sunnyside Communications

About Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus was a titan of 20th-century American music, renowned for his virtuosity on the upright bass, innovative compositions, and powerful bandleading. Born in 1922, Mingus's career spanned over three decades, during which he collaborated with jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, and Max Roach. His music defied easy categorization, encompassing bebop, hard bop, free jazz, and cool jazz, and often addressed themes of race, gender, and social justice. Mingus's discography is vast and varied, with 51 albums released under his own name and numerous appearances as a sideman. His seminal works, such as "Pithecanthropus Erectus," "Mingus Ah Um," and "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady," showcase his unique voice and enduring influence. Beyond music, Mingus was also a passionate civil rights activist, author, and poet, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and challenge audiences today.