Gig review/ NCPA International Jazz Festival Day 1

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

NCPA International Jazz Festival/ Day 1

Artiste: Mingus Big Band 

Details: Tata Theatre, Mumbai, November 25

Rating: ****

Around 8.40 p.m. on Friday, the Mingus Big Band began playing 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat', perhaps the most famous composition of legendary bandleader and bassist Charles Mingus. The song had been originally dedicated to saxophonist Lester Young, and in this rendition, tenor saxophonist Sam Dillon played the lead part. Like with every other piece played, the crowd's applause was huge and spontaneous.

Clearly, the Mingus Big Band stole hearts on the opening evening of the three-day NCPA International Jazz Festival, held at Mumbai's Tata Theatre. The 13-member line-up coordinated brilliantly, with most musicians playing scintillating solos. Besides bass, piano and drums, the group had saxophonists, trumpeters and trombonists.

Incidentally, this is Mingus' centennial year, and the show acted as yet another tribute. It also paid homage to the maestro's wife Sue Mingus, who passed away in September after playing a huge role in carrying forward his legacy. Charles Mingus passed away in 1979, and as per his wishes, his ashes were immersed in the Ganga.

The Big Band's performance comes three years after the Mingus Dynasty played at the same venue and festival. After host Brian Tellis spoke about Mingus and introduced the band, the performance began with 'So Long Eric', written after saxophonist Eric Dolphy left Mingus's band.

The group's musical director and bassist Boris Kozlov described the compositions. 'Fables For Faubus' had delightful solos by alto saxophonist Sarah Hanahan and trumpeter Philip Harper. 'Profile Of Jackie', which appears on the Big Band's new album The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was written by Mingus for saxophonist Jackie McLean.

The first half concluded with 'Moanin', which had a feature by Lauren Sevian on baritone saxophone. After the piece, Kozlov asked whether the venue had a bar. "The more you drink, the better we sound," he quipped.

Tipsy on gin, Mead or cold coffee, the crowd was greeted post-interval by 'Tijuana Gift Shop'. It was meant to be a wake-up piece but seemed directionless, despite the piano brilliance of Theo Hill. This was followed by one movement from piece 'Epitaph', before 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat' took over. Before the encore, the band played 'Gunslinging Bird', dedicated to bebop master Charlie Parker. A sprightly drum solo by Donald Edwards drew huge applause.

The band members were introduced by trombonist Conrad Herwig. Also on trombone was Robin Eubanks, with the veteran Earl McIntyre on bass trombone. Saxophonists Adam Burton and Alex Terrier, and trumpeter Alex Norris completed the line-up.

The best part of the show was that the energy was maintained throughout. The arrangements were tight, and the solos stood out. It's not often that one gets to see more than 10 musicians in a live jazz ensemble these days, and the band size of 13 proved that more was merrier.

The stage is now set for performances by pianists Monty Alexander and Thilo Wolf over the next two days. From straightahead jazz to vocals to Jamaican music and swing, there's plenty in store.