I Am Three

by Mingus Big Band

Overview

As usual, the Mingus Big Band is in exuberant form throughout their performances on this CD, most notably on definitive versions of "Song with Orange" and "Orange Is Color of Her Dress," both of which were arranged by the late John Stubblefield. A bit different is that two songs apiece are played by Mingus Dynasty (a septet taken out of the big band) and the Mingus Orchestra. The latter, in addition to six bandmembers, adds French horn, bass clarinet, bassoon, and guitar. But although those two smaller groups have their moments, there is nothing that can match the Mingus Big Band at its finest. The key soloists include trumpeters Jeremy Pelt, Randy Brecker, and Jack Walrath, pianist George Colligan, trombonists Conrad Herwig and Ku umba Frank Lacy (who sings on "Paris in Blue"), tenor saxophonists Seamus Blake and Abraham Burton, baritonist Ronnie Cuber, and altoists Miguel Zenon and Alex Foster although anyone in this band can solo with the best, including bassist Boris Kozlov. The Mingus Big Band has been one of the most exciting of all big bands since its formation and I Am Three is another dazzling effort. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	06/07/2005
Label:	SUNNYSIDE
UPC:	0016728302920

Tracks

1. Song with Orange
2. Mom
3. Chill of Death
4. Paris in Blue
5. Tensions
6. Orange Is the Color of Her Dress
7. Cell Block F 'Tis Nazi USA
8. Todo Modo
9. Wednesday Prayer Meeting
10. Pedal Point Blues

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Mingus Big Band   Primary Artist
Randy Crafton   Sax (Alto),Soloist
Miguel Zenon   Soloist,Sax (Alto)
Orrin Evans   Piano,Soloist
Craig Handy   Soloist,Sax (Alto),Flute
Earl McIntyre   Tuba,Trombone (Bass)
Abraham Burton   Soloist,Sax (Tenor)
Alex Foster   Soloist,Sax (Alto)
George Colligan   Piano,Soloist
Michael Rabinowitz   Bassoon
Amy Platt   Hospitality
Walter White   Trumpet
Kenny Rampton   Soloist,Trumpet
Bobby Routch   French Horn
Boris Kozlov   Bass,Soloist
Conrad Herwig   Soloist,Trombone,Trombone (Tenor)
Jack Wilkins   Guitar
Jack Walrath   Soloist,Trumpet
Frank Lacy   Vocals,Soloist,Trombone
Donald Edwards   Drums,Soloist
Wayne Escoffery   Soloist,Sax (Tenor)
John Hicks   Piano,Soloist
John Stubblefield   Conductor
Scott Robinson   Sax (Baritone)
Doug Yates   Clarinet (Bass)
Seamus Blake   Soloist,Sax (Tenor)
Jeremy Pelt   Soloist,Trumpet
Ronnie Cuber   Soloist,Sax (Baritone)
Randy Brecker   Soloist,Trumpet
Jaleel Shaw   Soloist,Sax (Alto)

Technical Credits

Randy Crafton   Engineer
Sue Mingus   Producer,Liner Notes,Photography
Tom Swift   Mixing,Mastering
George Colligan   Introduction
Earl McIntyre   Arranger
Peter Karl   Engineer
Amy Platt   Engineer
Guy Lequerrec   Cover Photo
Christopher Drukker   Graphic Design
Sy Johnson   Arranger
Elmar Lemes   Photography
Charles Mingus   Photography
Boris Kozlov   Arranger
John Stubblefield   Arranger,Photography
Robin Eubanks   Arranger
John C. Stubblefield   Arranger,Photography