Charles Mingus: Tijuana Gift Shop
Musicians:
Charles Mingus (bass), Jimmy Knepper (trombone), Shafi Hadi (tenor sax), Dannie Richmond (drums),
Clarence Shaw (trumpet), Bill Triglia (piano),
.Composed by Charles Mingus
.Recorded: New York, August 6, 1957
Rating: 83/100 (learn more)
Mingus’s music often proclaims its own biting and intense vernacular. This quirky melody, with a sharp rip to its highest note, is full of the composer’s off-kilter spirit. Jimmy Knepper’s trombone adlibs are not prizewinning feats, but the other members of the ensemble make up for this. Trumpeter Clarence Shaw captures the programmatic vibe with aplomb, and alto saxophonist Shafi Hadi’s personally acidic sound adds an even more brittle flavor to the tune. Drummer Dannie Richmond’s loose swing is always in step with the leader’s unorthodox wishes.
Reviewer: David Tenenholtz
Tags: 1950s jazz
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