Ronald Langestraat – Light Years Away
A lesser known work from Mingus’ later years, Cumbia & Jazz Fusion was originally recorded for use in Todo Modo, an Italian film about cocaine traffic between New York and Columbia; thus the combination of the two genres. Comprised of two extended compositions with various episodic movements, Cumbia & Jazz Fusion is classic bombastic Mingus with full-on big-band passages, grand brass solos, brooding moods contrasting with playful upbeat passages, and, of course, deeply swinging basslines. The fusion of Mingus’ big-band jazz with Colombian percussion and Caribbean rhythms makes this one of the most unique releases in the bassist/composer’s catalog. Sadly, Mingus dealt with motor neuron disease during his later years (his bass technique continued to decline until he could no longer play the instrument) and would pass away just a year after this album was released.
Recommended – Full Listen
Tags: Cumbia / Soundtrack
Tracklist:
A Cumbia & Jazz Fusion
B Music For “Todo Modo”
Credits:
Charles Mingus: bass, vocals, percussion, arranger
Jack Walrath: trumpet, percussion (tracks 1 & 2)
Jimmy Knepper: trombone, bass trombone (track 1)
Mauricio Smith: flute, piccolo, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone (track 1)
Paul Jeffrey: oboe, tenor saxophone (track 1)
Gene Scholtens: bassoon (track 1)
Gary Anderson: contrabass clarinet, bass clarinet (track 1)
Ricky Ford: tenor saxophone, percussion (track 1)
Bob Neloms: piano (track 1)
Dannie Richmond: drums (tracks 1 & 2)
Candido: congas (track 1)
Daniel Gonzales: congas (track 1)
Ray Mantilla: congas (track 1)
Alfredo Ramirez: congas (track 1)
Bradley Cunningham: percussion (track 1)
Dino Piana: trombone (track 2)
Anastasio Del Bono: oboe, english horn (track 2)
Pasquale Sabatelli: bassoon (track 2)
Roberto Laneri: bass clarinet (track 2)
Giancarlo Maurino: alto saxophone (uncredited) (track 2)
Quarto Maltoni: alto saxophone (track 2)
George Adams: tenor saxophone, alto flute (track 2)
Danny Mixon: piano, organ (track 2)
