Tijuana Moods

This CD presents the complete original classic album Tijuana Moods, featuring an all star group including Jimmy Knepper, Curtis Porter, and the greatly underrated trumpeter Clarence Gene Shaw, who would break his instrument and quit music that same year after a fight with Mingus (he died relatively young at the age of 47 in 1973).

As a bonus to Tijuana Moods, this release offers all of Mingus compositions from a session recorded only one month after the last Tijuana session. The personnel is very similar (but also includes Horace Parlan) and the first tune, Scenes in the City, was even attempted during the second Tijuana session (alternate takes from that day exist).


Tracklisting:
01. DIZZY MOODS (5:53)
02. YSABELS TABLE DANCE (10:28)
03. TIJUANA GIFT SHOP (3:49)
04. LOS MARIACHIS (THE STREET MUSICIANS) (10:22)
05. FLAMINGO (5:36)
06. SCENES IN THE CITY (11:51) *
07. NEW YORK SKETCHBOOK (8:51) *
08. DUKE'S CHOICE (6:24) *
09. NOUROOG (4:50) *
10. SLIPPERS (3:30) *
11. SLIPPERS [Alternate take] (3:53) *

Total time: 75:27 min.

(*) Bonus Tracks

All compositions by Charles Mingus except "Dizzy Moods" (Mingus-Gillespie) and "Flamingo" (Anderson-Grouya).

Tracks #1-5 originally issued in 1962 as "Tijuana Moods" (RCA Victor LSP-2533).
Tracks #6-11 from "A Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry" (Bethlehem BCP 6026).

Personnel on "Tijuana Moods":
Charles Mingus (b, leader), Jimmy Knepper (tb), Curtis Porter a.k.a. Shafi Hadi (as, ts), Clarence Gene  Shaw (tp), Bill Triglia (p), Dannie Richmond (d), Frankie Dunlop (perc), Ysabel Morel (castanets). Recorded in New York City, on July 18 & August 6, 1957

Personnel on "A Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry":
Charles Mingus (b, leader), Jimmy Knepper (tb), Curtis Porter a.k.a. Shafi Hadi (as, ts), Clarence Shaw or Bill Hardman (tp), Bob Hammer or Horace Parlan (p), Dannie Richmond (d), Melvin Stewart (voice & narration only on #6). Recorded in New York City, October 1957
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Notes:

-Tijuana Moods

"Inspired by a trip to Tijuana, Tijuana Moods was recorded in 1957 but was sat on by RCA until its release in 1962. Bassist/composer Charles Mingus at the time said that this was his greatest recording, and it certainly ranks near the top. The original version (which was usually edited together from a few different takes) consisted of just five performances. In the '80s, it doubled in size with the release of two versions of each of the songs, and in 2001, it reappeared as a double CD with 22 performances. It has often been said that Mingus forced and pressured his sidemen to play above their potential, and that is certainly true of this project. Altoist Shafi Hadi (who doubles on tenor) is in blazing form on "Ysabel's Table Dance," while trumpeter Clarence Shaw (who was praised by Mingus for his short lyrical solo on "Flamingo") sounds quite haunting on "Los Mariachis." Trombonist Jimmy Knepper and drummer Dannie Richmond made other great recordings, but they are in particularly superior form throughout this session, as is the obscure pianist Bill Triglia. Completing the band is Frankie Dunlop and Ysabel Morel on castanets. While "Dizzy's Moods" is based on "Woody'N You," and "Flamingo" is given a fresh treatment, the other three songs are quite original, with "Tijuana Gift Shop" having a catchy, dissonant riff that sticks in one's mind. The passionate playing, exciting ensembles, and high-quality compositions make this a real gem."

-A Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry

"Despite its title, this CD reissue does not have poetry and is not a "symposium." What it does have is a memorable narration by Lonnie Elder on "Scenes in the City" (one of the best collaborations between the spoken word and jazz), four obscure Charles Mingus compositions for his sextet (which consists of the bassist/leader, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, Shafi Hadi on tenor and alto, either Bill Hardman or Clarence Shaw on trumpet, pianist Horace Parlan, and drummer Dannie Richmond), and three previously unreleased performances including a run-through of Dizzy Gillespie's "Wouldn't You." An excellent set of challenging yet often accessible music."

Both by Scott Yanow -All Music Guide


"This may be the best record Mingus ever has made, as he is quoted describing it on the back liner. As for me, I wouldnt know I havent heard all of Mingus records. I do know, however, that seldom have I been moved to shout the music as I was in portions of his album. The main thing is that this is one of the best albums released this year."

Don DeMichael -Down Beat