Charles Mingus and Company: "Four Trombones"

This date which took place in New York or Brooklyn to be specific at the Putnam Central Club was put together by bassist/composer Charles Mingus. It's not a Mingus styled date but more of an informal jam. Mingus who along with drummer Max Roach owned Debut Records decided to record this special evening and put it out. Mingus picked his four favourite Modern Jazz trombonists. Mingus loved the trombone and these men represented the elite of contemporary trombonists. J.J. Johnson was the first and most prominent. Bennie Green with his distinctive smooth approach was second. Kai Winding was another hip and oft recorded modernist with his outgoing, energetic style. Willie Dennis was the young favourite of Mingus and he strove for originality of concept with an approach influenced by his studies with guru Lennie Tristano. Mingus used John Lewis on piano and New York's busiest drummer Arthur Taylor. The tunes are by and large jams with extended solos by everyone. This was a special once in a lifetime meeting that produced some great music and extended Mingus' love of the trombone. Perhaps it will extend your love of this instrument which goes back to the earliest days of Jazz history.