I Am Three

Various Artists
Sue Mingus Music
Jazz | Jul 2005

Reviews

Craig Matsumoto
Reviewed 2005-07-24
THREE Mingus bands combine under one CD roof: the Mingus Big Band, the Mingus Dynasty, and the Mingus Orchestra. (They don't all play at once.) A big, joyous mainstream-jazz sound faithful to the Mingus '60s sound.

Packed with big-name Mingus sidemen and other stars: Randy Brecker, Robin Eubanks, Jack Walrath, Craig Handy, John Hicks, etc.

The title comes from Charles Mingus' autobiography, where he writes, "In other words, I am three." It refers to his personalities: vulnerable, angry/passionate, and the observer.

1- Upbeat and swingy, a good time. Slow start.
2- Overlapping Duke, Monk, and Mingus themes. Name that tune!
3- Mostly slow. Lots of dissonances and sudden speedups.
4- Gruff bluesy vocals
5- Big rolling theme; bass solo early on.
6- Midtempo and grand, a sweeping classic
7- Happy and carefree -- but a protest song at heart.
8- Another happy swing, with a long pensive intro and a calm interlude featuring bassoon.
9- Gospel blues, lots of informal chaos
10- Coolly mid/fast

Recent airplay

Cell Block F 'tis Nazi Usa
No Cover, No MinimumMar 09, 2012
Pedal Point Blues
Pedal Point Blues
Umami Jazz ProgramAug 30, 2005
Todo Modo
Cell Block F 'tis Nazi Usa
Memory SelectAug 12, 2005
Wedesday Prayer Meeting
No Cover, No MinimumAug 12, 2005

Charting

2005-07-10 — 2005-09-11 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Sep 4 1
Aug 28 1
Aug 14 2
Aug 7 3
Jul 31 1
Jul 24 3
Jul 17 3

Track listing

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