Charles Mingus - Something Like A Bird (1980) CD Rip

"Something Like A Bird" presents a powerful late-era recording associated with Charles Mingus, capturing the expansive and orchestral side of his musical vision. Recorded in January 1978 and released later in 2013 by Atlantic, the album reflects Mingus’s continued exploration of large ensemble jazz, blending structured composition with improvisational freedom. The title track, spanning over thirty minutes, is a sweeping and dynamic piece that unfolds through multiple movements, showcasing intricate arrangements, bold brass sections, and expressive solo passages.

The recording features an impressive lineup of accomplished jazz musicians, contributing to a dense and richly layered sound. Mingus’s compositional voice remains central, balancing complexity with emotional depth, while the ensemble navigates shifting tempos, tonal colors, and rhythmic interplay. The shorter closing piece, “Farewell Farwell,” offers a more concise yet equally expressive statement, maintaining the album’s sophisticated character.

This release stands as a testament to Mingus’s enduring influence on modern jazz, highlighting his ability to merge avant-garde elements with the traditions of post-bop and big band orchestration in a compelling and cohesive work.

Tracklist:
1. Something Like A Bird - 31:12
2. Farewell Farwell - 6:57

Personnel:
1:
Akira Ohmori - alto saxophone
Charles McPherson - alto saxophone
Lee Konitz - alto saxophone
Ken Hitchcock - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
George Coleman - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
Craig Purpura - baritone saxophone
Pepper Adams - baritone saxophone
Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone
Eddie Gomez - bass
George Mraz - bass
Charles Mingus - composed by, arrangements, orchestrations
Paul Jeffrey - conductor
Dannie Richmond - drums
Joe Chambers - drums
Ken Werner - electric piano
Danny Toan - guitar
Jack Wilkins - guitar
Larry Coryell - guitar
Ted Dunbar - guitar
Ray Mantilla - percussion
Bob Neloms - piano
Daniel Block - tenor saxophone
Mike Brecker - tenor saxophone
Ricky Ford - tenor saxophone
Jimmy Knepper - trombone
Slide Hampton - trombone
Mike Davis - trumpet
Randy Brecker - trumpet
Jack Walrath - trumpet, arranged by, orchestrated by

2:
Akira Ohmori - alto saxophone
Lee Konitz - alto saxophone
Yoshiaki Malta - alto saxophone
Ken Hitchcock - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
Craig Purpura - baritone saxophone
Pepper Adams - baritone saxophone
Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone
Eddie Gomez - bass
Charles Mingus - composed by, arrangements, orchestrations
Paul Jeffrey - conductor, arranged by, orchestrated by
Dannie Richmond - drums
Joe Chambers - drums
Jack Wilkins - guitar
Larry Coryell - guitar
Ted Dunbar - guitar
Bob Neloms - piano
Daniel Block - tenor saxophone
John Tank - tenor saxophone
Ricky Ford - tenor saxophone
Jimmy Knepper - trombone
Keith O'Quinn - trombone
Jack Walrath - trumpet
Mike Davis - trumpet