MINGUS BIG BAND

Mingus Big Band performs exclusively the music of composer/bassist Charles Mingus who celebrated his Centennial year in 2022. Building off the strengths of Mingus Dynasty septet Sue Mingus formed after Mingus’ death in 1979, and 1989’s Epitaph orchestra, in 1991 she created this 14-piece band to feature new arrangements of Mingus compositions in a larger band format that Mingus wanted, but was not always able to organize in his lifetime. The dynamic structure encourages deep explorations and ever-evolving ideations of Mingus Music and provides a platform for individual artistic expression.

Drawing from a rotation of the best established and rising musicians, Mingus Big Band is highly sought-after by festivals and prestigious venues around the world. The band has twelve recordings to its credit, seven nominated for Grammys, and one win in 2011 with Live at Jazz Standard. A new album, The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions, was released in October 2022 and nominated for a Grammy. The second volume will be released in 2024.

The band has become a New York institution for locals and tourists alike, with a weekly residency now in its fourth decade. From Thursday nights at Fez under Time Cafe, to Joe’s Pub, Iridium, and landing finally at Mingus Mondays at Jazz Standard until its pandemic closure. Please join us at our new home DROM, every Wednesday.

RECORDINGS

Mingus Big Band musicians currently active in tours, Monday residency, educational events, and recordings

Trumpets:

Saxophones

TROMBONES

RHYTHM SECTION

The Critics say:

"The jazz repertory event of the season. . . [the Big Band] is digging into the repertoire of Charles Mingus, playing old and new arrangements that capture the best parts of the Mingus legacy: the muscle, the affection for history, the willingness to take chances, the guts and soulfulness.”
- The New York Times

“The best jazz orchestra in the world bears the name of THE Mingus Big Band. . .a remarkable high standard of musicianship, energy and consistency."
- Geoffrey Himes of The Washington Post

"The Mingus Big Band - musician for musician - is one of the most spirited and technically gifted bands in the country." - Seattle Examiner

"Mingus's music doesn't merely deserve to be heard; jazz needs it." - The New York Times

"A better band than ever today…plenty of meaty, memorable solos… but the real star is this world-class band, swinging through Mingus' music with an ease that masks the pieces' difficulty.”
-Tony Scherman in People

"The weekly Monday Mingus show at the Jazz Standard is New York’s most transcendent weekly residency. It’s probably the best in the entire world."
-Lucid Culture

"The most inspired, exciting ensemble jazz performance I've attended since the New York night I heard a somewhat different Mingus Big Band in the Fez...."
-Philip Elwood The San Francisco Examiner

"Mingus Big Band is a wonder and an anomaly...the Mingus Band has taken a musical legacy and transformed it into a creative force that generates a contemporary originality and vitality all its own. They are an important part of the current jazz scene and a constant reminder that jazz—big band jazz, at that—is not merely entertainment but a powerful art form and means of expression."
-All About Jazz

"A spirited blend of the lush harmonies and boisterous blues sections, interwoven ensemble passages and sudden tempo shifts that made the late bassist Charles Mingus one of the most challenging and celebrated artists in jazz."
- Los Angeles Times

"An astonishingly telepathic ensemble."
- New York Daily News

"Succeeds triumphantly where others [repertory bands] have failed."
- The London Times

"..revived Charles Mingus's repertory and the brawling, muscular, hard-swinging, bluesy way he wanted it played."
-Jon Pareles of The New York Times

"Unlike some, this repertory band doesn't grow stale or ossified --- the reasons are threefold. One, the touring personnel is constantly shifting, bringing in fresh approaches. Two, the repertory of Mingus is so vast, varied and unpredictable that it might always be a renewable resource. Three, founder/guiding light Sue Mingus won't let the spirit wither."
- Daily Variety