The Complete Town Hall Concert

Experience the raw power and innovation of Charles Mingus in "The Complete Town Hall Concert," a landmark live album that captures the legendary jazz bassist and composer at the height of his creative prowess. Recorded on October 12, 1962, at the iconic Town Hall in New York City, this historic concert features Mingus leading a formidable ensemble of 30 musicians, including seven trumpets, in a breathtaking display of musical virtuosity.

The album is a testament to Mingus's unique vision and his ability to blend various jazz styles, from hard bop and bebop to free jazz and cool jazz. With a duration of just over an hour and eight minutes, the concert showcases Mingus's extraordinary compositional skills and his mastery of the double bass. The setlist includes iconic tracks such as "Freedom (aka Clark In The Dark)," "Peggy's Blue Skylight," and "Epitaph," which is presented in multiple parts and an alternate take, offering a deep dive into Mingus's complex and evocative musical language.

Originally released on the United Artists label in 1962, "The Complete Town Hall Concert" was reissued by Blue Note Records in 1994, ensuring that this seminal performance continues to inspire and influence jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike. The album's rich history and unparalleled musicality make it an essential addition to any jazz collection, offering a rare opportunity to witness Charles Mingus and his ensemble in a live setting, pushing the boundaries of jazz and leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

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.