Reviews (page 11 of 14)
This was all instrumental. Different that what I would typically listen to. Not bad for background music. I would not listen to this again.
A lot of feeling to the music.
Excellent experimental jazz. The whole album is essentially one piece, conceived as a ballet.
Cool
I would say that this whole album was off-key and very annoying, and we struggled listening through the whole thing. Yes, it was a good thing that there were only 4 songs but also they were sooooo long, we may as well have listened to 15 songs. I like jazz music and I find it very smooth and relaxing sometimes, but this was a bit too much :D
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is a stunningly complex and expressive story that doesn’t need words. In four songs, it’s able to convey a lifetime of experience. We begin with “Solo Dancer”. The Black Saint is a good man, doesn’t drink a lot, but incredibly lonely. The Sinner Lady tries to be good but fails a lot, and burning so many people makes you alone. In “Solo Dancers” the two find themselves in the same smoky bar, catch each other’s eyes, and are immediately thrown into a whirlwind of doubts, fears, and temptations. Eventually they meet on the dance floor, finding who they want to be with one another (“Group Dancers”) and how they want to be in the world (“Melody”). This is by far my favorite album on this list thus far
I find Mingus challenging. In a good way! But challenging nonetheless. It’s brilliant jazz music. Sometimes I really understand what is going on and sometimes I’m lost. But I’m here for the ride. This isn’t my favorite of his. I prefer Pre-Bird and Ah Um. To me, this one’s less catchy and more of an impressionistic piece. For some reason it evokes a bustling/chaotic 1950s NYC or something similar. Not somewhere I want to spend all my time, but it’s fun to visit every now and then.
I wasn't a fan of the some of the horns in the earlier songs. But that acoustic guitar and that last song was masterful - 7/10
Pretty similar to other jazz albums on this list for me.
It was pretty funky and I could feel the story but I think this would work a lot better paired w a visual art like film or dance or sum. I didn’t love it as just background music bc I don’t love the sound of the trombone(?) sometimes but it was pretty solid overall. Also realizing how much I love pacific time, I miss rating things at nine and being asleep at 9:15. 6/10
I really did not enjoy it on first listen. Lucas pointed out that it flows nicely between chaos and not chaos which I agree is cool. However IMHO there was too much chaos. Charles Mingus has so much cool music, so I’m kinda disappointed this was the sample we got. 4/10
7/10 - Pretty good. I was grooving most of the time but parts of it did not hit for me.
I just dont like jazz very much 4/10
This shit blew me away. There's not a single dull moment on this entire thing, which I really didn't expect going into a jazz album. Every instrument just feels like it plays its own role to perfection, and each time they busted out that guitar I nearly came. It also somehow felt like it just kept getting better as it went on. I think I need to listen to more jazz now. 10/10
It's getting a higher review than wu tan but only just. Turns out jazz is also not for me. Giving it 2 because I didn't have to actively skip past it. It all sounds very samey. I feel bad because it's legendary and all that but not my cup of tea.
Nice classic jazz. Feel embarrased I hadn't heard of him before.
Not my taste but very cool.
Jazz 🤮
Not really my type of music.
Hit the spot.
Some jazz i can handle. This was not my favorite. I am always confused by Jazz music cause how do they ever decide what to record cause they never play it through the same. It's kinda cool in some ways, but in others... not so much. Track C sounded like everyone was soloing at once at one point and it sounded awful. Probably won't listen to again.
Solid album, good flow and complexity.
Not my thing
would've been more my style if it had a little more structure but loved the big band/new orleans jazz influences
3.8
Jazz music is not really my cup of tea for listening pleasure but for those who enjoy it seemed on point with nice instrumentals.
couldn't do it, no disrespect to mr. mingus
I do enjoy avant-garde music but I believe context is required to get the most out of records like this. Unfortunately I don't understand the world this record comes from.
Wild
Good bit of jazz
3.5/5 - I know nothing about jazz but this album sounded good to me
Mingus is great, not my favorite album of his, my personal favorite is blues and roots but this is still very good. High 3.
Good album. Liked the different tempo changes throughout the songs and the solos. Loved the audio and mixing of the different instruments.
Track C and the Medley were phenomenal, but Tracks A and B didn't really stand out to me. I appreciate that the album gets better as it goes on, but it just didn't start very strong for me.
Crazy jazz. Not for me.
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is undoubtedly avant-garde and showcases impressive improvisational skills from highly skilled musicians. It was truly ahead of its time, offering freeform jazz with remarkably cohesive tunes. While I appreciate its skill and influence, I personally found it challenging to connect with, as I have yet to find a jazz musician I resonate with. I'd rate it a 4 for its artistic merit and influence, but personally, it's a 1 as it doesn't align with my preferences for repeated listening. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 0 STAND OUT TRACK - None
I like the way Track B started. The middle was too frenetic/cacophonous for my taste, but ended well. I like the blend of styles in Mode D: jazz, flamenco, back to jazz, and then on to an almost cabaret style. Track C reminded me of a smoky jazz club in the 60s. Probably my favorite track. Overall, I liked some of this album but each song got too loud and frenetic. There are only 4 tracks and each one did this. Seems overdone for my taste.
Não é meu estilo musical, mas foi muito bom ouvir enquanto lavava a louça
MARAVILHOSO! Jazz com elementos diversos: musica flamenca, brasileira e sons que podem soar estranhos à música "correta". Incrível
easy listen, but probably not something i'd revisit - 1 add
Avant-garde jazz. Experimental y caótico. No me ha gustado. Un 2.
I’ll admit I don’t really know anything about jazz but I have always wanted to learn more. This was very different from any jazz I have listened to before. I thought it was very interesting
good work listen, enjoyable jazzy tunes
Jazz flamenco fushion!?!?
A good jazz album, I particularly liked Track C
Some great jazz, would definitely want to listen again.
No doubt there is musicality here but its a style of music that I can't appreciate
It’s jangly jazz, I’m still uneducated to not really get it.
Interesting and filmic
Good jazz! Coltrane and others are more appealing to me but I would listen again.
3 and a half star jazz
I loved this album
Listened Before? No Never listened to Mr. Mingus before. Love the simplicity of the album cover and the album title is dope. Enjoying the lopsided evolution on Track A. Feels a bit like I'm listening to a live lounge saxophone + drummer with a warped LP in the background. Really cool effect. Track B sounds really familiar out of the gate. I've definitely heard this melody interpolated somewhere, though I have no idea where. This song is downright dysfunctional in the midsection and I love it. Track C pulls out some Spanish influences. and Track D goes well off the deep end numerous times. Some interesting folk/classical influences at work here I have a hard time reviewing jazz in a manner "consistent" with more pop-stylized music. With jazz, I treat it more as a journey and how it made me feel as a whole, whereas with pop I can be swayed by a few solid tracks. In this case, Mingus takes us on a hell of a journey over the 40 minute playtime. I can safely say this is unlike any other jazz I have heard before and am glad to have experienced it. This isn't something you are going to sit back and ease into. This is densely layered madness that shifts continuously and is pulled together by an incredible vision. For me this is a 4 on pure enjoyment and the fact that it kept me guessing and engaged all the way through. Added to Library? Yes
I really appreciate the idea of improv jazz, but it seems so difficult to execute with each instrument being so bold. These guys seemed to have much better cohesion when they sped up, but as the songs slowed down I started to feel disinterested in the dissonance. It got better toward the end. I think Track C and Medley: Mode D-Trio were a step above Tracks A and B. The easiest comparison to make is to John Coltrane, which was easily a start better than C. Mingus in my eyes.
This sounds like jazz music that would be the instrumentals in a 60s cartoon like Tom and Jerry. I can see how this falls into the "experimental big band" genre, because that was just stragiht improv for what seemed to be the whole album. It was a little difficult to listen to at times because there was no real flow to any of the songs while they were trying to figure each other out. Not a type of music I would go out of my way to search for, but it was a cool intro to improv jazz which I have to respect.
I've listened to some Mingus but not this album, but love some good jazz! This was a great album to do some work around the house to. Got kinda dark at some points which I enjoyed. Classic yazz album.
Prolly ground breaking but the muted trombone in the last track was a sensory nightmare
Avantgarde, Third Stream.
otsaan muodostuu hikipisara..valo heijastaa naaman...keuhkoja tärähtää...vauhti kiihtyy...pakko puhaltaa...pakko puhaltaa voimalla...silmät sulkeutuvat, kulmakarvat mutrulle...ärtyisenä, ei, vihaisena... rumpali menee kyyryasentoon, kauhuinen katse... ei saa läähättää...otsa hiessä...rööri syljessä, limassa, rääässä... nopeutuu, nopeutuu...tajunta katoaa...ja ilmestyy muualle.. toisessa maailmassa...missä olen...en täällä...puhalla, puhalla, PUHALLA. sormet liikkuu itsestään...kuin masiina linjastolla konsanaan.. uskomaton albumi duete solo dancers
Missmutiges Gejaule eines mürrischen alten Mannes. Eine Mischung aus Blues & Jazz depressiv in Klavier geklimpert, in die Tuba geblasen und am Bass gezupft. Kein bisschen Struktur und kein Konzept. Wenn Du mal irgendwann Spontan Kopfschmerzen brauchst empfehle ich dieses Album.
I like Mingus, and this album has its moments but it is also a cacophony, I think maybe deliberately different voices given the album title. A jazz classic I like but don’t love.
This was an alright jazz album. I feel like it had a lot of sounds that have become common but it was probably groundbreaking at the time.
Possibly the best jazz album ever made, it's one of those albums where there is this like "11/10 sheen" that I stumble upon in albums with super high ratings. It's a suite with some of the best big band playing ever recorded. Waves of saxophones and trumpets.
Großartiger Krach
Too limited in the instruments for me. Or I donno, just a bit boring.
Loved
Disjointed and improv as only Mingus does it. 3.5/5
The arrangements throughout are a mish mash in a good way of jazz, classical, Spanish and African themes. It feels very improvised, something you may hear at a jazz club, quite nice as some background music. No best or worst as the entire album feels like a collective that should be treated as a whole.
one of the best things ive ever listened to no joke
I was ok with most of the album but it lost me in the last track when it felt like all the musicians were doing their own thing and clashing with each other. It was kind of refreshing to hear music that doesn’t stick to a steady beat/tempo but flows from one groove to another. I also liked that instead of one soloist there were multiple instruments that took turns being prominent.
I'm sure it's good, but jazz like this always feels like one of those Magic Eye pictures where I'm either missing something or the rest of the world is pulling a fast one on me.
You know how, in electronic music, it's building and building and building until the drop? I had no idea jazz could do that. Or sound like, when you turn down the next street, it'll be filled with opium dens. Fun, evocative music - tho not necessarily anything I'd seek out for future listens.
I find jazz so hard to listen to but this was really interesting. I couldn’t just put it on and chill though. This has to be an assignment.
Great old classic.
Excellent
Can't get into this jazz at all
really interesting!!
I'm not going to pretend like I know anything about jazz, but this was fantastic. 4.
It's a Mingus album.
There are some notes here that I enjoy, but then general cacophany and lack of theme or meaning really strip this album of any relevance to me. It feels less planned out than just being a vehicle for improvisations. Entirely uninteresting to me.
jazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
There were some very fun and exciting parts, but it mostly felt like background music.
I’m not a fan of jazz in general but for some reason this album felt even worse than usual
At times too cacophonous and grating on my ears. That guitar part at some point was a nice touch though.
fav songs: track b, track c incredible the emotion and drama that can be express through instrument. each song had its own beautiful moment
good jazz added to the list.
Sound track to some 20 somethings in leotards dancing round a Greenwich Village loft in the mid 60s. Everyone’s a tree. Far out man. Love it.
Thought I liked Mingus, but this is a little chaotic/random for me. Feels like some kind of big band free jazz and I've always struggled to get into most free jazz. But it has some nice "noir" moments, evoking alcoholic detectives trudging down rainy alleyways. Must explore Mingus more - it's possible I'd only heard his early stuff.
no thanks
At times gloriously noisy and at other times quiet and intimate, this is Gershwin levels of fantastic as the album takes you through so many sonic textures -- big band improvisation, classical-ish guitar (!) and wailing saxophones and wah-ing trombones.
Jazz is the worst
Not a bad jazz album but nothing stood out too me either.
This was pretty chill. Reminds of jazz I heard as a kid
3.5, mozda 4
More frantic and noisy than Mingus Mingus Mingus. I wasn't in the mood
I'm not a jazz lover and was hesitant to give this a listen. But I really enjoyed it.
My favorite thing about jazz as a musical spectrum is when listening the kind that tells a story throughout the instrumentation. Charles Mingus is arguably one of the best storytellers within the realm. This being a beautiful example of how you can picture a man caught up within the consequences of his actions and everything that he ultimately must deal with once he meets a woman that seems to echo the chaos throughout his life... All that and more within these mere 30 minutes. 4 out of 5 stars.
Not a jazzy person - this was good but not something think I’d go to on my own
Loved this one
not into jazz but interesting to listen
I can see why people are so divided over this one, it's not exactly something you can just throw on any time. You have to be in the right mood for it. Some people would just say it's noise and I think that might be fair but if you listen to what's happening it's great noise. Musicianship is superb as always with Mingus. It may not be my favorite jazz record of all time but it's still a great listen and typical for this style so I feel like it would be a good record to start with for someone trying to get an expanded view of jazz.
some interesting stuff on here
Hard to know how to rate this Accomplished obviously But a good listen - not always
jazzy
great but distracting
Not a very enjoyable listening experience for the most part, to be honest. Maybe it’s not my kind of jazz. [0076/1001]
A quirky but musical jazz journey.
Charles Bingus
Fallegt. Virkar vel í bakgrunni við vinnuna. Langar að setja aftur í gang seinni partinn þegar það er orðið dimmt úti og ég komin undir teppi í sófanum með kakó á kantinum.
this album is oddly beautiful. it sounds as chaotic as it sounds gorgeous. even when i first listened to it i liked it very much even not being as much into jazz as i am today. its an extent to what was being done in jazz on the late 50s with the incorporation of more "foreign" sounds. the way they come back with harmonies youre already familiar with and then add a dissonant sound to make it less comfortable gets me everytime. also i remember thinking it was amazing that something from 1963 could sound that crazy. now i see its not the only album from that time with this sound but it is still one of the best exemples of it.
I listened to it while waiting for the doctor. Neutral.
fantastic piano. a little repetitive. the tracks seem to blend together. not something I'd go back to but i appreciate the talent to make it.
Loved this album, it has a very unique sound. It really doesn't sound like it's 60+ years old. I listed to it multiple times, and will continue to listen to it in future.
Not my jam although better than John Coltrane.
Thought I would enjoy this. I did not.
Pretty cool. 2.5
Af en toe wat rommelig, verder goed.
I enjoyed the album, all the songs had a good beat to them. I really liked the tune of Track B- Duete Solo Dancers.
Experimental jazz at it's finest. You can clearly hear the creativity and musicality, but is not so chaotic that is sounds like a bunch of random notes thrown together. Mingus may not have been the best person, but he was a grateful musician
Interesting mixture of jazz and other music
A very unique instrumental album jazz regards and feelings of l.a noir short but sweet
Not a fan of freeform jazz and this album didn't change that. The piano work was pretty stellar though. Best Songs: N/A Listen Again: No
jazz is a challenge for me but this is powerful
I didn’t hate it, I didn’t love it. At the beginning I was disliking it, but by the end I enjoyed it. I think the last song was my favorite
Jazz. Niiiiiiiicccccccccccccceeeee.
Great jazz album! A little all over the place, but hey that's jazz! Glad we got some Mingus.
Ladies and gentlemen, we've arrived. I've been a Mingus Head for a while, though I hadn't heard this one. I've heard others, like Pithencanthropus Erectus and Blues and Roots. I've known this to be his big masterpiece, and I've been looking forward to hearing it. Boy, does it deliver. Just four tracks, but each incorporates so many facets of jazz and spans so many genres and subgenres with ease. I love these tracks often start out unassuming, or in a style of refined jazz that might seem safe, and then they just explode with life. Instruments are made to moan and scream, it's jarring. There's so much going on that obviously I can't process everything on one listen, but it's just so great that I know there will be many more listens to come. Immediately entering my handful of top jazz albums though, what a behemoth. Mingus is the man. Favorite tracks: All of 'em, though one highlight that sticks out is the flamenco-style guitar near the beginning of the last track, so beautiful. Album art: Pretty unassuming. The text and style is very bold, but to be comfortable with a cover this simple I'm interpreting to mean Mingus knew he cooked up something otherworldly, and he wanted to catch listeners off-guard. It worked. 5/5
This album Is so experimental and I love it
Meget jazzy.
Not normally my style but it grovved
Ya like jazz? 6/10
No more jazz please
I was enjoying this album until the second half. Moog Raga sounded like background music from a Muppets alien sketch. Triad was about trying to convince someone to be a part of a trouple (with possibly more to join later). And I just didn't like the last three songs.
Abstract, experimental, chaotic. One minute there will be a Spanish guitar solo and the next a ripping saxophone solo followed by mellow moments.
Different kind of jazz
I might just not be sophisticated enough for this type of music. For me there are just too many attention-competing sounds going on at the same time to be able to enjoy it.
Pretty chill. Will check out more of his stuff.
Every song feels like it takes you on a journey. They’re all different enough to keep you interested, but still all fit together thematically. There are repeating motifs throughout that are fun to catch.
Great Jazz Album. I don't yet have an acquired taste for it.
Makes me feel like I’m sharing a table with a stranger in silence in a darkly lit establishment while drinking whiskey neats.
Not my style, but some clear talent in the music.
jazz that is actually fun. Cool bass and rapidly changing tempos. With spanish guitar too! Also, the fourth song makes me think of the taxi driver theme a lot
It's wrong to give Minugs a 2. So I need to at least do a 3. And the talent is there. But it didn't move me
Poor
I'm not really a fan of avant-garde jazz but this really works for me. It sounds noir-ish, urban, and bold. The Spanish influences surprised me. It's not a very casual listen and I could understand how this might not be for everyone, it's definitely challenging. An interesting vision and an accomplishment to make it happen.
I'm sure I'll get some hate for this, but in terms of avant-garde jazz, I find this far superior to Miles Bitches Brew. The transitions on this record are brilliant, and I think that's what changes it for me. Absolutely loved it, and will be looking for it on vinyl because I'm a hipster douche.
Bit chaotic for me
Je ne connaissais pas cet album de Mingus, excellente découverte. Très bons saxophones.
4 tracks of awful noise, not for me at all, I'm confused about how this made the list!! easy 1 star or maybe even 0
Raaaad
Eh. It sounded like a nightmare to me. Chaotic. There were some songs that I could stomach for a minute, but couldn’t listen to the whole thing. I tried.
Jazzy Jazzy - teils etwas Jeder-gegen-Jeden-Combo Style
Fabulous Despite having no lyrics, this album tells a more meaningful story than almost any, a true musical journey. Several times better than Kind of Blue, if you ask me
Naja jazz
#1 - Okay, this doesn't sound like experimental or avant-garde jazz. It sounds like normal jazz. Not terrible, not great. Kind of noisy and busy than having a good consistent sound. #2 - Slower paced than #1 and a lot more sad in the beginning. It picks up and gets back to the hectic and frantic sound as it goes on. It has more structure than a jam session, but not by much. #3 - If I had to give a favorite, it would be this one. It actually sounds like a good musical piece. Slow with a Spanish guitar touch. Surprisingly impressed.. at first. Then it launches into the jazz you'd expect. Without the heavy trumpet bits, I'd give it a nod of approval. #4 - Apparently this one has three different movements in it. Neat. Though, listening to this and as it tries to blend classical music, I wish I was actually listening to classical music. I'm surprised this came out in the 60s. This seems more like a set of pieces from the earlier 1900s. Eh. It's at least done nicely. I don't know why this was included. I enjoyed the more classical elements and the Spanish guitar that was used throughout and compared to the jazz, I would rather listen to those types of albums. It's fine, but there I'm sure there are other albums in the book that are more deserving. I guess if you like jazz this will be good? I'm not sure what's really special about this. I'm glad it was short. 2/5.
Great stuff! Had a blast listening to this.
Utterly bonkers. I still don't understand jazz. I like a spot of John Coltrane or Miles Davis but Charles Mingus is out there. Obviously great musicians but not completely for me.
jazz but idk, certainly weird
Amazing, amazing, amazing...if you like it. The amount of incredible musicianship on show here is incredible. However if you aren't into the genre or want to listen to something a bit easier with lyrics this isn't it
jazz...
Not quite perfect to me, a couple misses. But god damn it's so good
Nice but bass too low in mix. Another 'not my favourite album by this artist' pick!
Nah
Jazz on an album is always an underperformance. But I really enjoyed this one.
Honestly pretty fire
Some nice parts, but the chaotic parts are too long.
Needs a re-listen but superb
just bad
I'm just not a big jazz guy... It's not you, it's me.
busy sound. need to listen more
Excellent jazz album
Good shit
Wild jazz that goes in every direction at once but still somehow stays under control.
enjoyed more than a high school band concert. it might grow on me with more time. i don't know that i'll take the chance.
The way that this album builds tension and releases it is just fantastic. I like jazz with a bit of edge and this album delivers.
Ni tan mal las dos primeras, luego...café para muy cafeteros
Really busy. Lot of ideas on top of each other
I mean. It's jazz. Technically accomplished jazz. But not my thing. These reviews are for me, not for others. And aren't even really reviews. Oh well
Du jazz avec des sonorités surprenantes, mélangeant musique latine avec pratiquement du big ban. Impressionnant album, surtout considérant l'année!
I know nothing about the quality of jazz, but as a whole this album ruled. It weaves motifs throughout creating new, yet familiar, melodies that ultimately built up an established story for the listener. This easily could have been played along with a LA noire film and, for that, I loved it. 5/5 Fav song: C
One of the greatest albums I’ve ever heard.
Terrific. A complex listen, right from the get-go. A type of darkness in those horns that is hard to find anywhere else. I am close to jazz-illiterate, and I’ve heard the legends of Mingus, but haven’t heard much firsthand. Worth more exploration. 3/5
Very weird and dramatic
Incredible.
Does some fun stuff with stereo
The intro of Duet Solo Dancers is sampled in the intro track of Cold World - Dedicated To Babies Who Came Feet First Quite good, not amazing but still great
Liked the jazzy bits, hated the flamenco nonsense that seemed to go on forever
Blind album and artist. Don't really have a lot to say except it's different than what I normally listen to.
Ehhh. For a jazz drummer, i struggle to enjoy listening to this.
Pretty cool jazz. Not much else to say, not my kind of music but regardless a very enjoyable and dynamic piece
Me gusto el balance de lo atonal y disonante con los elementos rítmicos y melódicos que llega a tener. Es como si hicieran a Von Webern o Schoenberg eléctrico y distorsionado.
You like jazz?
Saucy jazz! Both creative and chaotic. It goes off of the rails just enough to capture your stress hormones and then releases the dopamine with some sultry wind instruments. It’s expertly composed with just enough variety to please even the most adverse jazzers.
While I enjoyed my time listening to this record, I didn’t like it as much compared to other jazz records of the time. Despite being only 4 songs, it feels a little bloated at points, especially when compared to other 4 track albums like a love supreme. All in all, I would give it a medium 3.
Hazz like instrumental with occasional vocals.
Me sorpredieron algunos arreglos, gran disco de jazz. Muy digerible.
Didn't really listen much. Didn't fit the mood I was in.
The songs on this album had too many simultaneous and conflicting rhythms/noises. Seemed too experimental for my taste. 2/5
Personalmente no es lo mío… escuchar un disco completamente jazz fusión instrumental…. Diría imposible… sin embargo estoy agradablemente sorprendido, es mas me siento como viendo tom and Jerry !! Pero más progresivo.
Je possède peu de mots pour décrire le jazz. Donne l'impression d'une cacophonie, mais c'est une virtuosité qui nous élude.
Track A - it's jazzy. It had its moments, but overall, alright Track B - Track C - Track D - one long track. Kinda groovy in parts
Solid stuff.
This album inspired a lot of great jazz throughout the last 60 years. The interplay between harmonies and dissonance is incredible.
Flows smoothly, albeit nothing stood out in particular. Uptempo without a lot of the "lulls" that can throw me when typically listening to jazz.
I've struggled getting Mingus in the past, but this album is incredible. What beautiful orchestration and composition. The balance of the group is incredible and the themes are kicked around and reformed so well throughout. I could probably listen to this thirty more times and still pick out new things I missed. The ballet aspect comes through for me. All of my favorite music tells a story and particularly tells a story through the music. This lives up to the hype as a masterpiece.
Wasn’t my cup of tea.
Compared to the other jazz album this is really tough to listen to as there doesn’t seem to be a dominant melody. I’m by no means a jazz expert but I found this album to be really harsh on the ears and a bit all over the place this really wasn’t my cup of tea but I do respect the musicianship.
Jazz is jazz
Yay short album! The “blat” sound is wired. Need to listen to more instrumental jazz. Trumpet is not ready to give up.
Technically brilliant, audibly not my taste
Really good one of my favorite jazz albums ever
Not for me
Very Jazzy
Brilliant!
Impressive but Jazz not my cup or tea.
Perfekte Mischung aus Eleganz und Verve Das Medley gefällt mir nicht so ganz wie der Rest
Hard for me to get into a Jazz album. This one was ok.
Not a jazz fan, but some parts of this album were pretty cool. Favorite: last 1-2 minutes of track 1.
I can appreciate it but I'm too much of a philistine to fully enjoy it. I like the leitmotif though
It's all a little too much for me. I prefer quieter jazz, but this is excellent for what it is. Track C is my favorite on the album.
Well, sonofabitch. You get me all worked up with the previous album, then hit me with 4, 10 minute songs that sound like a bunch of blaring horns. I swear this list just tries to piss me off at times. Congrats. You found success. F off with this noise. At least I see Zeppelin on the horizon. It's better than the Suicide band, but not by a lot. I'll go 1.5, but it's still going to be scored 1 1.5
Wow this was great! It has all of the qualities of Jazz that I enjoy. I'm not sure what those qualities are, yet but basically if it sounds like the Ed, Edd n Eddy soundtrack I'm in! Also this was nice and short. A lot of Jazz albums have an issue with dragging a little and I feel like there wasn't much of that here. It was towing the line between rehearsed and improv really well. 4
2.5 Look, I’m sorry, I just don’t get jazz. And that bums me out a little bit because I really want to be someone who is capable of appreciating all genres of music, but despite this being the #14 highest rated album of all-time on rateyourmusic.com, nothing about it speaks to me any more than any other jazz album I’ve heard. I know that there’s something I’m missing, and I’m honestly a little envious of those who can pick up on it because personally, I feel like I just listened to a bunch of random instrumentation here. That’s not to say this album is objectionable by any means - I would rather listen to it over many other albums we’ve seen on this list so far - but I just don’t see a situation where I would opt to put this on for pure personal enjoyment. I know it takes a certain level of musicianship to be able to freestyle like this, but that just doesn’t automatically equate to personal enjoyment in my book. Anyway, I think I’ve made my point. All that to say though, I’m always looking to explore new music (hence why I started this project in the first place), so as long as jazz albums continue to exist, I’ll continue to give them a chance - still hoping for that one that finally makes it click for me.
It’s alright, I’ve heard better jazz, and I didn’t do research to know if this was an influential album or not.
I mean, better albums of this genre exist.
Hold da op. Eksperimenterende er vist ikke ramt helt ved siden. Synes det er svært at lytte til. Om ikke andet glemmer man da alle tanker og bliver nærmest tvunget nye følelser ind i kroppen. Track C er det nummer jeg nød mest. Kræver nok flere lytninger.
Jazz. All the notes. At once.
Some solid jazz, enjoyed the smoother parts. But the wild/chaotic parts were a bit to much for me. Sounded all jumbled up. Listened a second time, I can appreciated the musicianship, but its so overly complex that nothing goes together. Like listening to 2 bands play at once. At this time, I just don't get this kind of jazz. Maybe time will change me
Jazz
Even though I'm not an avid listener of Jazz music, this album really shows the beauty os this genre, and Mingus true genius with his gorgeous musical arrangement.
This offering takes a while to to come to terms with and appreciate if you’re new to the genre. I look forward to experiencing it multiple times so I can gain a better understanding of it.
10/10
Really interesting jazz piece. A bit too hectic for my taste maybe but still a fun listen with tons of funky brass tones and great performances. 7/10
Really immersive and powerful. Not my favourite, and that might just be because I am not a huge Mingus fan, but the skill is obvious.
I am not by any means particularly well versed in jazz culture or popular jazz albums. I know the big ones, like A Love Supreme, Kind of Blue, and Bitches Brew. But you couldn't quiz me on jazz. So when this album was generated for me, I felt as if the cover and title were vaguely familiar. I did what I usually do when I get an album, which is quickly search it up on RYM. To learn this album is the highest rated jazz album ever, and in the top 15 of all time was very surprising. After listening to it, I can see where it comes from. This album masters one specific thing. It manages to be abrasive without being unpleasant or overwhelming. There is a very tense energy of the wailing brass instruments on this. But it doesn't stop there. Take Track C for example. It opens with this beautifully haunting piano, and then the main melody is led by these flutes. For some reason, those particular flutes just scratch at your ears in the perfect way. That song in particular might be one of the finest jazz songs I've ever heard. Track B also carries that same claustrophobic energy. The whole band does this build-up thing where it keeps getting louder and faster. And you are just waiting for the moment it crescendos and comes crashing down. But it stops much calmer than you would expect. Like a train driver hitting the brake and stopping the train a foot from your face. I think compositionally this album is also a masterclass. I'm not really sure what parts Charlie plays in this other than the piano, but the way he composes his band is genius. If you really try and focus on each individual person and what they are playing, you might drive yourself mad. It is like there are two different songs playing at the same time, and yet it manages to come together perfectly. Each player has full confidence in each other, and they just run wild and make it work. It takes the most impressive aspect of jazz instrumentation and turns it up to eleven. In a way, I can understand why this would be number fourteen of all time. At the same time though, I don't see it. This album is amazing, no doubt. But I am not completely gushing over it. I am all for this slightly more aggressive form of jazz, but I think there are more traditional jazz records I will enjoy more than this in the future.
Probably like the best jazz album of all time. this is a national accomplishment. the way it all flawlessly seems together is amazing. listen to this
Kinda fun. I'm not particularly a fan of jazz for some reasons - seems chaotic, each song is generally the same, and there are no words. Other than the 1980's electric guitar and drums, I am not typically as impressed/interested in the music of songs but more the voice. So it was not bad for ability's sake like 1996 pop album a few days ago, just not something I am personally interested in. So my rating is not a hit against the artist or album, just the style as a whole. 2/5
Rhapsody in Black!
Far too sexy for me
There are 2 types of jazz and they’re both shit
The moment I put this on in the car I was struck by the feeling I was being tailed, or maybe I was tailing the car ahead. Was I the hunter or the prey, impossible to tell. The only thing that can be known for sure is that a dark secret will be revealed tonight. Deeply invocative.
I fell in love with Mingus through Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus even though I'd get tired after my third mention of Mingus and skip the final two. The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady came later for me despite both records being cut in '63. That's just the way it used to go when you'd pick up an album or two of an artist with an immense back catalogue and you had no mentor in the genre or media to point out the discography. Yeah, this was a while back. Prehistoric times, a stone age daydream. Mingus has always tickled my ear though and this record didn't disappoint when I finally heard it. It's treat to hear it again today.
Very good
Good jazzy shit, nice and weird
This was all over the place and weird so I liked it. Good to start the day in a strange way
Grew on me as it went. I liked the Spanish guitar parts.
awesome album. every instrumentalist is excellent.
Definitely added to my playlist.
Has occasional glimmers of the band coming together, but so much of it was a grating, discordant cacophony. Exhausting. Painful.
Yeah, now we're boogieing!
Very nice horn harmonies. Definitely gets a little experimental at times but still cool.
I didn’t much care for it on the first listen, but something in my mind told me to give it another listen. It’s very complex music, and it’s definitely a very challenging listen, but I think I’m actually growing to like it.
Some people say they don't understand jazz. This album helped me realize I am one of those people.
Its a very experimental avant garde and off course jazz reccord, so i’m not an expert in jazz so i’m not sure to have fully catch the essence of it.
Haunting and powerful!
Standard Genre 3 star rating
It was really fun
Prachtig jazzalbum
Very good, although i feel unqualified
'Chaotic' is the only word that comes to mind
Decent in places, a bit labouring and annoying in others.
Experimental, iconoclastic jazz. Not the biggest fan of Mingus but this is certainly an interesting listen. Not sure I connected with the record, but I can still give points for the craft on display.
Ez 5. One of my favorite jazz albums.
Good jazz
Nope ! Really and truly not my cup of tea. A racket ! 1*
Sounded nice sat on a verandah in France but would've been tiresome otherwise.
4.5
Always like his stuff.
I genuinely think I've listened to this 200 times. A seminal album for my middle / high school experience. 4.5/5
Track A - Solo Dancer: Good lead in. Chaotic as usual for Mingus. Love it. Getting big "rolling down Hollywood in 1960s" type vibes from this track. Very back-alley sounding. 8/10. Track B - Duete Solo Dancers: You can tell the change between this and the first track. It goes back to kind of an elitist vibe, this must be where Mingus remembers he was originally writing this album for a ballet. Gradually mellows back to regular Mingus, something resembling Track A. Has kind of that Charlie Brown teacher "whomp-whomp" from an instrument that sounds almost human. Essentially the same as Track A after a few minutes. 7/10. Track C - Group Dancers: Interesting piano start. Interesting guitar interaction. Definitely like this one; has a Brazilian vibe sort of that I like, combined with Mingus's urban-sounding seediness. Guitar goes away (sad!) back into Mingus's vibe. Really no different from his other tracks except for this. 9/10. Medley - Mode-D Trio and Group Dancers: Single-handedly half the track time in this album??? The guitar returns! Let's go! I got kinda bored about 6 minutes in. This track is so long I tuned most of it out. Still really good though, I expect nothing less from Mingus. 8/10 Total: 32/40 --> 80/100. I like Mingus, but this album is a tad strange. I get he was writing this for a ballet but it doesn't sound like a ballet. Also, the final track is like 20 minutes long. Cut it up a bit. Otherwise, fantastic album.
As jazz goes, it's one of the better ones.
It wasn't unpleasant to listen to but I just don't really get jazz.
Gran album de jazz
Absolutely outstanding. This album takes you to a different place and this album is great
Wow! This music is fantastic, loved the energy, the flow of the music, the atmosphere. Like I love e.g. the Comet Is Coming, bring on the adventure and organised chaos. It is clear that compared to the Miles Davis we had before this is my type of Jazz. Hope we get more jazz in the 1001 list so I can develop my taste in Jazz.
Enjoyed it, makes me wonder how an album like this logistically gets put together but otherwise not much to add
I'm sorry but I can't abide jazz I'm sure this is a good example but, uurgh!
Jazz fucks
Too freeform
I liked the sounds like New Orleans jazz.
Favourites: • Trio and Group Dancers (Stop! Look! And Sing Songs of Revolutions!) / Single Solos and Group Dance (Saint and Sinner Join in Merriment on Battle Front) / Group and Solo Dance (Of Love, Pain, and Passioned Revolt, Then Farewell, My Beloved, 'Til It's Freedom Day)
Very engaging, big lively parts, catchy parts, great musicianship, excellent album
Good jazz is still jazz to me. Appreciate this guy’s talent but won’t be listening again. Was in the queue for passport control listening to the last track and it was a never ending song in a never ending queue. So. Thanks Charles
One of his best albums I think. Sublime at times.
exceptional, solo dancer was the main track i remembered but it's easily the worst on the record, track B and the medley are both outrageously good, i'll hand this over a 5 for this site but for me personally it's a 4.5/5
Cool
Mingus was a powerful figure in Jazz, but this isn't my thing.
8/10
Ok so this isn’t for me. A lot of twiddly doo and twoddly daa. I can understand how some people think this is peak music, but jazz is a real struggle for me.
Smooth jazz. Hurt my ears
To chippy to lively for my current phase. I guess it’s true you have to grow into the jazz.
Jazzy
I like Jazz, but I don't think I know Jazz well enough to understand the greatness of this album, or why it stands out and needs to be on this list. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a nice listening, but it just doesn't stand out particularly much. Having an almost 19 minute track also gets a bit tedious to be frank. I also think all tracks sounded VERY similar. Still, it sounds good for what Jazz is, so I guess I'll just put it in the middle?
The first songs intro with the horns hit some weird frequency in my headphones that made it unbearable. Skipping forward a minute or so I found a very interesting jazz album. It sounds tight with the right amount of experimentatorn and improvisation. "Track B - Duet Solo Dancers" has a great build up and release. The classical inspired piano is great in "Track C" and just as it ends you get hit with some flamenco and then sax solos. Every new song brought something different to the table that made me think "No this is my new favorite track of the album". I find that often with jazz albums that they take multiple listens to get really into but this album was so good after just one listen.
Fun, but it feels a little messy.
This was a trip!
Kind of ok
This was just very very good
Great piece of art
Not much to say about this one, it’s just very very very good