Search - Charles Mingus - Live at Montreux, 1975 on DVD

Changes Group Live

K. Hooker | Dallas, Texas USA | 11/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This fantastic DVD supplements the great Changes recordings on Atlantic. The centerpiece performance here is an extended version of the Mingus composition Sue's Changes, which perhaps tops in excitement the recorded version on Changes One. The Adams/Pullen/Walrath Quintet is also featured on Free Cell Block F, and on the Devil Blues. (For Harry Carney is unfortunately not included in this DVD.) The concert closes with two performances adding and featuring guest artists Gerry Mulligan and Benny Bailey, performing a superb Goodbye Pork Pie Hat and Take the A Train. The sound quality of the recording is quite good--Mingus is clear and in great form at all times (this is definitely before his playing declined with illness)--with the exception that George Adams is a bit undermiked. There are many great images in this DVD. Anyone appreciative of the last great Mingus group will love this DVD."

Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus

C. Slone | Mid West | 11/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is a rare treat for Mingus fans. Besides the VHS of a 1964 Norway concert (which is difficult to find), this is pretty much the only video release of a full concert of Mingus.
The footage is from the mid 70's, close to the end of Mingus' career. The reason I rate it at four stars is that it is not Mingus (as a performer) at his prime, although he does shine on a few numbers (the opening of the first track is worth note).
That being said, the tunes are all great and the addition of Benny Bailey and Gerry Mulligan makes for a nice expanded ensemble. Highlights, in my opinion, are Don Pullen's cadenza on 'Cell Block F ..." and Mulligan's solo on "A Train" in which he is accompanied only by Mingus.
"

Mingus in the ascendency

David McNally | glasgow, scotland | 08/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great DVD. It goes without saying that the band and material are fantastic -this was Mr Mingus's second greatest small group (after the one with Mr Dolphy in early 60's) touring his last great album. Don Pullen can play anything and find the brilliant corners, Jon Faddis was and is an original voice on trumpet and George Adams can sing, blow, gurgle and croon with the best of them. The rhythm section of Mr Mingus and Dannie Richmond is beyond telepathic - funky too. Opener 'Devil Woman' suffers a bit from undermiking and Mr Adams isnt quite on the stomping form he was on the album version, but by the second tune (incorrectly named, it's actually 'Remember Rockafeller At Attica') the joint is steaming. Personal favorite has got to be the demonically pretty 'Sue's Changes' where each member of the band takes an extended solo, and they all sound so turned on by each other they play out of their skins. If you're not on the floor by the middle of it, either cutting a rug or in devotional worship, then there's something wrong with the music-receiving section of yr brain. Forget catagories like avant-garde or even jazz -this is music."