Illustrated with archival footage and musical extracts, director Don McGlynn began shooting interviews in 1989, at the time of the N.Y. world premiere of Mingus' posthumous magnum opus, ‘Epitaph.’
This brought together many of the composer's colleagues including Dannie Richmond, Gunther Schuller, Sue Mingus, Celia Mingus Zaentz, John Handy, Jimmy Knepper, Don Butterfield, Snooky Young, Eddie Bert, Wynton Marsalis, Dorian Mingus, Britt Woodman, Jerome Richardson and Randy Brecker. Production continued fitfully thereafter, with the finished documentary presented originally at the 1997 London Film Festival.
Following the documentary we are delighted to present a live jazz session featuring an ensemble that features: the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year finalist, Alex Clarke (alto/tenor saxophone); winner of the Parliamentary Jazz Awards Instrumentalist of the Year, Josephine Davis (tenor saxophone); the highly creative talents of Tim Lapthorn (piano); Winston Clifford, one of the leading British drummers in the last forty years; and led by veteran jazz double bassist Andrew Cleyndert.
The credits and associations of the individual members of the group are expansive and collectively they offer a unique blend of improvisational talents to explore the music and spirit of one of the most important players and composers in jazz history. The set promises to be a highly enjoyable addition to the evening’s film and will include a wide variety of works from the Mingus canon.
Tickets £20