Charles Mingus: I Can't Get Started

A definitive version of a favorite Mingus standard (and staple of his live repertoire), captured in performance at the Nonagon Art Gallery in Manhattans East Village. Explaining his affinity for the tune, Mingus told Nat Hentoff, It applies to me. His commanding solo, which begins after an abrupt tape edit, indicates that he knows and understands the material implicitly. John Handy, the other featured soloist, connects with it deeply, too. Their virtuoso flights and bravura suspensions reflect the lyrics ironic complaint. They come on strong, effuse, emote, make strong cases, and maybe even overthink it. Its not for lack of effortor aesthetic achievementthat they cant get started.