Mingus Big Band

The Mingus Big Band performs only works by composer and bassist Charles Mingus, who marked his centennial in 2022. Following the legacy of the Mingus Dynasty septet formed by Sue Mingus after her fathers death in 1979 and the 1989 Epitaph orchestra, she established this fourteen-member ensemble in 1991 to present fresh arrangements of Mingus compositions within a larger configuration he envisioned but could not always assemble during his lifetime. The flexible structure fosters profound explorations and continuously evolving interpretations of Minguss music while allowing individual artistic expression. Featuring a rotating roster of seasoned and emerging musicians, the group is highly requested by festivals and prominent venues globally. With twelve recorded albums to its nameincluding seven Grammy nominations and one 2011 win for Live at Jazz Standardthe band has released The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions in October 2022, which received a Grammy nomination. A second volume is scheduled for release in 2024.