A copy of the 7 CD Mosaic Records limited edition box set devoted to a selection of rare, landmark live recordings that bassist and composer Charles Mingus (1922-1979) made between 1964 and 1965 with what many consider to be his greatest working band. Mingus needs no introduction to jazz fans: he stands alongside such luminaries as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Ornette Coleman as a towering figure in the history of jazz, distinguished both for his path-breaking virtuosity on his chosen instrument and his brilliance as a composer and bandleader.
Beginning in the mid-1950s, Mingus developed a unique approach to group performance in jazz, seamlessly blending composition and improvisation in ways that were both highly original and deeply rooted in the collective-improvisatory tradition established by the very earliest New Orleans groups. The result is music that sounds simultaneously timeless and "avant-garde." It will make you think, it will astound you with its mastery of the parameters of harmonic development and change over time, it will make you want to jump up and dance.
The band captured here was one he worked with intensely night after night, developing his singular approach into amazing, long form mashups of composition and improvisation. The players are great: Eric Dolphy, the amazing multi-reedist performing at his very best, the fabulous pianist Jaki Byard, the trumpeter Johnny Coles and tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, the drummer Dannie Richmond, with his near-telepathic ability to follow Mingus' unpredictable swerves in tempo and mood.
Most of the recordings in this magnificent set, curated by Mingus' widow Sue, were originally issued in small quantities by Mingus on his own private label and have long been as rare as hen's teeth. In this box, they are gloriously remastered, sounding as good as they've ever sounded, and supplemented with a number of previously unissued nuggets. This is absolutely prime Mingus, an important set for any serious fan of his work to hear. The set came out in 2013 and has been out of print for years -- it's a hard Mosaic to come by. Here's your chance to snag it!
Condition is as shown in the photos, which depict the actual set the winning bidder will receive.
I'm happy to do combined shipping if you'd like to bid on multiple lots, and media mail is available for bidders who prefer a cheaper shipping option.