Well, I've just read the de-luxe CD sized glossy 61 page booklet and it's a worthy companion to the music. What you get is an interview with Mingus and McPherson by Brian Priestley, himself the author of a Mingus biography, regarded by many as definitive. A separate interview with McPherson on Mingus, an assessment by Christian McBride on Mingus as a bass player, and much more, much much more.
And now - the music. The second CD comprises only one item; the intriguely titled Mind-Readers' Convention in Milano. Three seconds short of half an hour it, nevertheless, packs more into that 29.57 mins timespan than many a recording of twice that length. The 45 second blast on Ko Ko at the end is the quick shot - the chaser.
Mingus described it as "written to make things a little more difficult" (i.e. for his musicians). It remains in the repertoire until this day - named as Number 29 when performed by the current Mingus Big Band. It's a magnificent example of form with free (not in reverse order). The freedom is there in abundance but so also is the form. This should be the first lesson for aspiring new wavers and, if they've got the ears, the last! The frenetic ending driven by Brooks is as free as they come but nobody's reporting a pet shop fire! Lance (Episode 3 tomorrow).
The complete album is due for release by Resonance Records on April 29 but can be pre-ordered.
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