As usual, the
Mingus Big Band is in exuberant form throughout their performances on this CD, most notably on definitive versions of "Song with Orange" and "Orange Is Color of Her Dress," both of which were arranged by the late
John Stubblefield. A bit different is that two songs apiece are played by
Mingus Dynasty (a septet taken out of the big band) and the
Mingus Orchestra. The latter, in addition to six bandmembers, adds French horn, bass clarinet, bassoon, and guitar. But although those two smaller groups have their moments, there is nothing that can match the
Mingus Big Band at its finest. The key soloists include trumpeters
Jeremy Pelt,
Randy Brecker, and
Jack Walrath, pianist
George Colligan, trombonists
Conrad Herwig and
Ku umba Frank Lacy (who sings on "Paris in Blue"), tenor saxophonists
Seamus Blake and
Abraham Burton, baritonist
Ronnie Cuber, and altoists
Miguel Zenón and
Alex Foster although anyone in this band can solo with the best, including bassist
Boris Kozlov. The
Mingus Big Band has been one of the most exciting of all big bands since its formation and
I Am Three is another dazzling effort. ~ Scott Yanow