Mingus at the Cafe Bohemia

[Late]

I just discovered today that, in 1995, the "complete" 1955 Mingus at the Bohemia material was released by Victor Japan as a 2-disc set — including "bonus" tracks not yet released stateside. The set's catalog number is VICJ 40112. Does anyone have this, or did I dream it?

Maybe Concord will some day see their way toward releasing this package domestically?

[brownie]

First, a very hearty Welcome Back !

It's been a much too long time...

Now about that Mingus at Bohemia, I saw a copy once but the release added nothing new to the material that was in the 'Charles Mingus, the Complete Debut Recordings' box!

[Late]

Hi Guy — thanks! I can't even remember how long it's been ...

You may very well be right about the Debut box. (I don't have it.) Here's what the VICJ set lists as its contents:

Disc 1

01 - Jump Monk

02 - Serenade in Blue

03 - Percussion Discussion

04 - Work Song

05 - Septemberly

06 - All The Things You C#

07 - Drums

Disc 2

01 - Jump Monk (previously unissued alternate take)

02 - All The Things You C# (previously unissued alternate take)

03 - Drums (previously unissued alternate take)

04 - I'll Remember April

05 - A Foggy Day

06 - A Portrait of Bud Powell (previously unissued)

07 - Haitian Fight Song

08 - Love Chant (unedited complete version)

09 - Lady Bird

10 - What Is This Thing Called Love? (previously unissued fragment)

Edited April 7, 2006 by Late

[brownie]

That list has 20 titles.

The Debut box had 23 titles from the Cafe Bohemia date. Alternates of 'Drums' (another one), 'Love Chant' and 'Haitian Fight Song' that do not seem to be in the Victor set.

[kinuta]

I have 'Mingus At The Bohemia' on a 2 disc 1992 Japanese release, Victor VICJ-40041 & 40042. The track listing is exactly as posted.

The catalogue number is slightly different as mine is an earlier version.

The one you listed as 40112 is a remastered version as far as I know.

The session is a masterpiece in my opinion. I have tons of Mingus but 'Bohemia' is one I go back to again and again.

If you want it but can't find it I'm willing to help.

[Late]

You're absolutely right, Guy. (I always forget to check the contents of the Debut box, as I don't have it, on these discographical queries.) Strange that the individual OJC releases wouldn't also contain those additional tracks. I've never heard, for instance, "A Portrait of Bud Powell."

I would imagine the VICJ set sounds pretty good. I wonder why it hasn't been re-released in Japan recently?

[jazzbo]

I LOVE THIS MATERIAL!

I remember how hard it was for the cash for the Debut box to leave my hand and go into a cash register, but man, that is one treasure trove, and these Cafe Bohemia tracks are among the crown jewels.

[dave9199]

I didn't like the Debut box aside from the Toronto & Bohemia shows. The rest of the material was not my cup o' tea.

[marcoliv]

good to have you back Late

Marcus

[bluesbro]

Anyone know where I can find this 2 CD? I've looked everywhere

[jazzbo]

I didn't like the Debut box aside from the Toronto & Bohemia shows. The rest of the material was not my cup o' tea.

Well to each their own of course but I have come to really like every session. . . Massey Hall. .. Thad Jones. . . Hazel Scott. .. John Dennis. . . Jackie Paris. . . all those bones. . . man, this is jampacked!

[kh1958]

I didn't like the Debut box aside from the Toronto & Bohemia shows. The rest of the material was not my cup o' tea.

Well to each their own of course but I have come to really like every session. . . Massey Hall. .. Thad Jones. . . Hazel Scott. .. John Dennis. . . Jackie Paris. . . all those bones. . . man, this is jampacked!

I'm with you, great box--in addition to the Bohemia and Massey Hall sessions, I'm partial to the Thad Jones sessions, the Jimmy Knepper with Joe Maini session, and the unreleased session with Gene Shaw, Shafi Hadi and Pepper Adams.

Edited April 15, 2006 by kh1958