James Newton On Charles Mingus's Life And Work at Healdsburg Jazz Festival at Healdsburg Jazz

Hosted by Marcus Shelby of Healdsburg Jazz, this session is part of a FREE online Zoom series, Celebrating Jazz History and Culture, curated by Jessica Felix and Marcus Shelby: “Tonight at Noon – Discussing the Art and Personage of Charles Mingus.” James Newton, a world-renowned musician, composer, and educator will take us on a journey through the life and work of Charles Mingus, one of the most original bandleaders ever. Charles Mingus was a genius composer, bassist, and bandleader whose music is still appreciated and growing in its relevance. His compositions have endured and continue to drive passionate responses from his listeners because they deeply reflect a wide range of human conditions....

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Hosted by Marcus Shelby of Healdsburg Jazz, this session is part of a FREE online Zoom series, Celebrating Jazz History and Culture, curated by Jessica Felix and Marcus Shelby: “Tonight at Noon – Discussing the Art and Personage of Charles Mingus.” James Newton, a world-renowned musician, composer, and educator will take us on a journey through the life and work of Charles Mingus, one of the most original bandleaders ever. Charles Mingus was a genius composer, bassist, and bandleader whose music is still appreciated and growing in its relevance. His compositions have endured and continue to drive passionate responses from his listeners because they deeply reflect a wide range of human conditions.

During the two-hour Zoom presentation, Newton will include insights passed down from his mentors Buddy Collette, Red Callendar, and Danny Richmond, and draw upon his direct experience as a member of the Mingus Dynasty band in the 1980s. This band included Craig Handy, who will be a special guest during this presentation. Newton will include a unique oral history that cannot be found in books. He will also cover Mingus’s connection to Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Charles Christopher Parker (Charlie Parker), and others. Mingus’s critical essay, “Let My Children Hear Music,” will be discussed and will be posted on our website prior to the online program so that people can read it beforehand. He will conclude with Mingus orchestral compositions performed by the original Mingus Big Band.

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