History

Since 1993, the Mingus Big Band has celebrated the music and legacy of bassist Charles Mingus. The 14-piece ensemble, under the artistic direction of Charles Mingus’ widow Sue Mingus, tours around the world performing Mingus’ music. Since its inception, the Mingus Big Band has attracted all-star jazz musicians, including the likes like Randy Brecker, Sean Jones, Luis Bonilla, Ronnie Cuber, Vincent Herring, Donny McCaslin, Orrin Evans, Ugonna Okegwo, and Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts. Though this last only shows a small portion of the extraordinary talent featured in the Mingus Big Band, you can find a full list of past and present members on their website. Since 1993, the ensemble has recorded ten albums, earning Grammy nominations for seven of them. These albums feature iconic arrangements of Mingus classics, namely for Moanin’, Haitain Fight Song, and Nostalgia in Times Square. These songs have become favorites due to their ruckus nature, exciting grooves, and powerful ensemble sections. Although the Jazz Standard, where the band played regularly on Mondays, closed in 2020, the Mingus Big Band has not died out, and will continue to celebrate Charles Mingus’ legacy.