The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop at The Cafe Bohemia.

Tonight's Jazz Feature is an early version of the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop recorded on his independent record label: Debut Records. Mingus and drummer Max Roach owned the label during it's short existence (1952 to 1957). Mingus in 1955 had begun a new concept for his bands. No written music. Mingus taught the players from the piano as Mingus was a more than competent pianist. The players memorized the compositions, background riffs and everything without written music and it gave Mingus' bands more what he was aiming for. This band reflects his new concept and hence the name The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop. This edition was recorded on Sunday evening from 5:50pm to 8:30 pm on December 18,1955 at a small New York club called The Cafe Bohemia.. The band includes George Barrow on tenor saxophone a fine underrated player with a big sound and a cliche-free concept. Eddie Bert, one of the finest trombonists is on the front line. Mal Waldron is on piano, Mingus leads and is on bass and Willie Jones is on drums. The tunes are all arranged by Mingus and with two exceptions the 8 selections are Mingus compositions. This is a fine solid set and is a new beginning for one of the most innovative and creative minds in Jazz music: Charles Mingus.