Beneath the Underdog: Charles Mingus Revisited
A tribute to Mingus’s life and music, featuring a stellar line-up of artists and the Metropole Orkest
If you are a fan of Jazz, you probably know the name Charles Mingus. He was one of the most influential and innovative composers, bandleaders and bass players in the history of the music. He combined the elegance of Duke Ellington, the fire of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, and the radical spirit of the black music of his time. He created a rich and diverse body of work that reflected his passion, intelligence and humor.
But how much do you really know about Mingus? How did he develop his unique style and vision? What were the challenges and triumphs of his career? What were his influences and inspirations? And how did he influence the generations of musicians who followed him?
If you want to find out more about this Jazz giant, you should watch the documentary “Beneath the Underdog: Charles Mingus Revisited (Prom 53)”. It is a tribute to Mingus’s life and music, featuring a stellar line-up of artists and the Metropole Orkest, under the direction of Jules Buckley. The documentary was filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of the BBC Proms in 2017.
The documentary features some of Mingus’s most famous and beloved compositions, such as “Better Git It in Your Soul”, “Moanin’”, “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”, “Celia” and “Hora Decubitus”. You will hear them performed by some of the most daring and creative musicians of today, such as Shabaka Hutchings, Christian Scott, Kandace Springs and Leo Pellegrino. You will also hear interviews with Mingus’s friends, family and colleagues, who share their memories and insights about the man and his music.
The documentary is a celebration of Mingus’s legacy, but also a exploration of his complexity and contradictions. Mingus was a genius, but also a rebel. He was a visionary, but also a pragmatist. He was a leader, but also a collaborator. He was a lover, but also a fighter. He was a hero, but also an underdog.
The documentary is a must-see for any Jazz lover, and a great introduction for anyone who wants to discover the music of Mingus. It is a tribute to a man who was not only a master of bebop, but also a master of his own destiny.
Click the link below and immerse yourself in the realm of Charles Mingus, a titan of Jazz whose legacy resonates through the ages. Prepare to be spellbound by his life story, captivated by his melodies, and inspired by his enduring influence. Step into a world where rhythm and emotion intertwine, inviting you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Jazz.
Keep listening, keep dreaming, keep swinging!