Marcus Shelby Group presents the music of Charles Mingus

The music of Charles Mingus

Marcus Shelby and his Sextet return to the Sound Room to present “Conversation: The Language of Charles Mingus”. The program will include rarely performed Mingus compositions, excerpts from “Beneath the Underdog”, film clips, and commentary by bandleader and bassist Marcus Shelby.

Charles Mingus was one of the most influential and prolific composers and bassists in the history of American music. His music was a critical part of the of the Civil Rights movement, fusing lyrics, chants, and shouts with inventive and layered melodies. His harmonic language reflected a piercing mood that was an extension of his colorful character and personality often under attack by racism and social injustices. “Conversation: The Language of Charles Mingus” includes rarely performed Mingus compositions written between 1950-1960, excerpts and other writings by Mingus, and archival film clips providing listeners with a powerful deep dive into the creative life of one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century.

Marcus Shelby Sextet

Darren Johnston (trumpet)

Tony Peebles (alto)

Danny Lubin- Laden (trombone)

Greg Jacobs (piano)

Jemal Ramirez (drums)

Charles Mingus Jr. was an American jazz upright bassist, composer, bandleader, pianist & author. He is considered one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history with a career spanning three decades and collaborations with other jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Max Roach & Eric Dolphy. Mingus's work ranged from advanced bebop and avant garde with small and mid size ensembles to pioneering the post-bop style and pioneering the progressive big band experiments.