The Gary Crosby Sextet presents 'Mingus Moves'

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Last Show: Friday 22 nd April 2022

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

Bassist, band leader and co-founder of Tomorrow’s Warriors, Gary Crosby OBE brings together his sextet for a night celebrating the legendary jazz innovator and composer Charles Mingus, marking what would have been Mingus’ 100th birthday. An instantly recognisable figure as he played double bass, Mingus was an imposing physical presence on stage. However, it was his skill as a composer that set him apart, bridging the eras of Ellington and Parker and into the free improvisation of the 1960s. His music continually reflected his venturesome mind and he left behind a legacy of iconic jazz recordings – Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, Mingus Ah Um, Blues and Roots and Mingus Mingus Mingus being just a few.

For this special celebration Crosby will lead his sextet through his personal favourite from the Mingus catalogue – Mingus Moves, recorded in 1973 and possibly his last great album. There will also be some classic Mingus tracks including Goodbye Pork Pie Hat and II BS.

As well as being a fellow double bass player, when asked why the music of Mingus has a special hold over him as a jazz artist, Crosby explains:

“He was STAUNCH! He never compromised the music or held back on his beliefs.  Yes, Mingus embraced improvisation, or as he called it ‘extemporisation’, but it starts with the power of his compositions and the belief that he had in his music.”