Portrait (Charles Mingus)

Here's Charles Mingus's beautiful composition 'Portrait' which we recorded live very recently. This is a new project - read more below! It features great solos from Tony Kofi and Hans Koller.
I was fortunate to know Jimmy Knepper, who played on so many of Mingus's famous recordings. When he died in 2003, his family entrusted me with his horn, a Bach 36B. I play it on this track. As one might it expect it has very unique qualities. He really was one of the greatest of jazz trombonists. Here's to you Jimmy!
Malcolm Earle Smith (vocals/trombone)
Tony Kofi (alto)
Hans Koller (piano)
Caius Williams (bass)
Gene Calderazzo (drums)
Recorded Oliver's Jazz Bar, London, UK, May 9 2024
Malcolm Earle Smith's new project “Mingus and Monk: Words and Music” explores the work of two pivotal musicians who bridge the early and modern jazz traditions. A number of songwriters have been attracted by the strong storytelling qualities of the compositions of Charles Mingus and Thelonius Monk. Mingus wrote lyrics to several of his own tunes - Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello have penned others. Jon Hendricks is one of several singers to have provided words to Monk's quirky compositions, and the pianists' intriguing titles have also inspired Malcolm to write some of his own. Combining his skills as trombonist and vocalist, Malcolm is accompanied by a distinguished line-up of players. Together, they celebrate the work of these two jazz giants in a program which explores a wide range of musical emotions, combining words and music in a storytelling, sometimes topical interpretation.

[@POTTYPHIL]

Nice one Tony👍👍👍