Icon: Charles Mingus

By Kevin Whitehead

Few musicians brought as much passion to jazz as Charles Mingus (1922-1979). You can hear it all over his music in every period: the power, the lyricism, and the sheer propulsion. He loved independent melody lines interwoven in raucous counterpoint and infused with the emotional power of the sanctified church. As bass player he had few peers, in terms of agility, a big sound, and percussive plucking; his tender, singing work with a bow reflected… more »