Cap U Jazz Series set to pay homage to the legendary jazz iconoclast, Charles Mingus

A tribute to one of the most important figures in twentieth century American music – a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer. The concert will feature Faculty special guests and the University’s two senior students ensembles and will showcase the eclectically brilliant compositions of one of the most original jazz artists of his time. Considered one of the most important figures in twentieth century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer. Born on a military base in Nogales, Arizona in 1922 and raised in Watts, California, his earliest musical influences came from the church– choir and group singing– and from hearing Duke Ellington over the radio when he was eight years old. He studied double bass and composition in a formal way (five years with H. Rheinshagen, principal bassist of the New
York Philharmonic, and compositional techniques with the legendary Lloyd Reese) while absorbing vernacular music from the great jazz masters, first-hand. His early professional experience, in the 40’s, found him touring with bands like Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory and Lionel Hampton. Eventually he settled in New York where he played and recorded with the leading musicians of the 1950’s– Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Bud Powell, Art Tatum and Duke Ellington himself. One of the few bassists to do so, Mingus quickly developed as a leader of musicians. He was also anaccomplished pianist who could have made a career playing that instrument. By the mid-50’s he had formed his own publishing and recording companies to protect and document his growing repertoire of
original music. He also founded the “Jazz Workshop,” a group which enabled young composers to have their new works performed in concert and
on recordings. Tickets are on sale and available through the box office at 604.990.7810 or www.capilanou.ca/theatre.