BBC Radio 3 has kindly sent out a press release amalgamating the station’s three programmes to mark the Mingus centenary over the Easter weekend, a few days ahead of the day itself, 22 April.
TEXT OF RELEASE:
“On Easter weekend, BBC Radio 3 marks the 100th anniversary of trailblazing double bassist, composer, bandleader, and all-round musical icon Charles Mingus, who was born on 22nd April 1922.
In J to Z, Julian Joseph pays tribute Mingus’ remarkable talent and examines his lasting impact on the jazz world, playing recordings from across his career, including some recently unearthed live material. He’s joined by one of the musicians who knew Mingus best: altoist Charles McPherson. A long-standing friend and close collaborator during the 1960s and 70s, McPherson shares stories from their time together and insights into Mingus’ genius (Saturday 16 April / LINK).
On Easter Sunday, 17 April, on Freeness Corey Mwamba shares the most adventurous records from across Mingus’ decades-long career, such as Mingus Ah Um, The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady and Mingus Plays Piano, and is joined by Mingus’ son, Eric to pay tribute to his enduring legacy of inventiveness and creativity. (LINK)
Jazz Record Requests has a programme packed with requests from listeners and some big jazz names for their favourite Mingus tracks. ” (Release ends)
There is also a downloadable episode of Jazz Library from 2007 where Alyn Shipton interviews Brian Priestley (LINK)
