Anderson & Grouya’s “Flamingo” returns Mingus to the city. The striking of the triangle announces a new day dawning, but are you ready to face it. A battle takes place: the grogginess combined from drinking to repair a heart and a night’s slumber against the slow-brightening sky alongside the city’s hustle and bustle. The song’s end reveals the winner.
Recorded during these sessions is the bonus track “A Colloquial Dream (Scenes In The City),” previously issued on the 2001 version of this album. Lonnie Elder recites this wild, Beat poem put to jazz music about a love for jazz music. Even though times get rough with the landlady looking for the rent and everything being hock, the love of jazz keeps the narrator going. Bird, Miles, and Monk make it into the dream. The song doesn’t fit the album’s Tijuana mood, but it’s a cool piece nonetheless.
In the liner notes, Mingus wrote, “Tijuana Moods is the best record I ever made,” and “I believe this record includes performances by some of the greatest musicians I have ever worked with.” Far be it from me to argue with the man. It’s a great album no matter what your mood.
Article comments
1 - Lee Richards
Thanks.
Maybe someone will discover Mingus for the first time through your review. Lucky them!