Charles Mingus music lights up Sunday

Charles Mingus was such a brilliant, innovative jazz musician. His command of the string bass overwhelmed listeners. Many years ago, I heard him perform live at the Village Vanguard in good old NYC. His style was so superior, the man had a bright shiny jazz improvisatory conception that was fascinating. Today, I listened to a Charles Mingus group recording that was made in Oslo. The great tune was a good rendition of the Billy Strayhorn standard, 'Take The A Train.' This performance had not only the flawless work of Mingus on bass, but also featured zesty work by the acclaimed modernist Eric Dolphy on bass clarinet. I know the people who play bass clarinet have a hard time for the thing is a bit complicated to play. But Mr. Dolphy could get it done right. Eric Dolphy had some fine, good flash work on this vigorous jazz workout. Of course one more aspect of the Charles Mingus approach was the sensational man of the drums, the clever Danny Richmond. Most times when one hears good Mingus music, the percussive ace Mr. Danny Richmond is right there with Mingus et.al. It has been a great time this Sunday because the incredible jazz sounds of the thinkers, Charles Mingus, Eric Dolphy and Danny Richmond provided the ancient known as me a feisty time this beautiful sunny day.