In 1995, baritone vocalist Kevin Mahogany teamed up with the redoubtable WDR Big Band to spotlight the compositions of Charles Mingus. Elevating the proceedings further was the presence of former Mingus associates Charles McPherson and Jimmy Knepper, on alto saxophone and trombone, respectively. The ensemble was captured in concert in Cologne, Germany, the results recorded and released in 2000.
Mahogany’s warm, flexible instrument easily crests the big band, as he caresses Mingus’ lovely, evocative lyrics on “Eclipse” and “Portrait,” his delivery full of romance, his diction ensuring that Mingus’ poetry can be fully appreciated. Of course, the Kansas City-born singer, who died in 2017 at age 59, also exercises his blues and bop chops, with his exuberant scat singing featured on the title track and a raucous rendition of “Better Git Hit in Your Soul.” Mingus’ moving tribute to Lester Young, the deeply bluesy “Good-Bye Pork Pie Hat,” with lyrics by Rahsaan Roland Kirk, is beautifully rendered by Mahogany and company. As has come to be expected from the Cologne-based WDR Big Band, musicianship is excellent throughout, and McPherson and Knepper lend authenticity.
— Bob Weinberg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkO4AjZQzco
