Mingus Big Band

The Mingus Big Band performs only compositions by Charles Mingus, marking his centennial year in 2022. Building on the legacy of the Mingus Dynasty septet formed after his death in 1979 and the 1989 Epitaph orchestra, Sue Mingus established this fourteen-piece ensemble in 1991 to present fresh arrangements of his works in a larger format that he desired but could not consistently achieve during his lifetime. This dynamic structure fosters profound explorations and continuously evolving interpretations of Mingus Music while allowing for individual artistic expression. The band draws from rotating lineups of established and emerging musicians, making it highly sought after by festivals and prestigious venues worldwide. With twelve recordings to its creditincluding seven Grammy nominations and a 2011 Grammy win with Live at Jazz Standardthe ensemble has released The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions in October 2022, which received a Grammy nomination; the second volume is scheduled for release in 2024.