Album Review: Charles Mingus – In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts

A landmark musician and composer, Charles Mingus is among the most important artists in jazz, and in music overall. Yet those without deep knowledge of his work tend to place him in the hard bop era, less inclined to appreciate the work he did beyond that time. The nearest equivalent would be to acclaim Miles Davis for his Prestige years while completely overlooking Bitches Brew and Jack Johnson.

But like Davis, Mingus continued to evolve and change as an artist, moving and exploring different corners of the musical landscape. Popular lore holds that neuromuscular ailments diminished his ability to play by the mid 1970s, but a listen to Mingus in Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts casts some doubt on that idea. At least in 1977, Mingus’ skills on the upright bass were still formidable. Leading a five-piece that often sounds like a much larger ensemble, he turns out compelling tune after compelling tune. Sharing the spotlight with those players, Mingus still makes his mastery clear. The recording captures the quintet in front of an appreciative crowd, but the sonics are such that the recording sounds as if it’s in the listener’s living room.

During one of the shows documented here, Mingus makes a point of mentioning that guitarist Jeff Beck had recently covered “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” (on his essential 1976 fusion LP Wired). The quick comment underscores Mingus’ wide-encompassing appreciation of music. And his accessible yet adventurous playing on this release shows that he still had plenty to offer. Of particular interest – and likely of special note to the Argentine audience – is the 22-minute “Cumbia & Jazz Fusion,” a thrilling piece that develops through several movements. Also fascinating are two brief yet meditative solo improvisational pieces featuring Mingus on piano. The wild sax soloing on “Sue’s Changes” is the sound of some top players having a really good time.

The latest in a seemingly (and happily) unending stream of previously-unheard jazz releases brought to (authorized!) release thanks to the tireless work of Zev Feldman, Mingus in Argentina is a must-hear for fans, and a perfectly good choice for those new to Mingus’ work.