Charles Mingus’ Late-‘70s Mastery Unveiled on In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts – Three-LP Record Store Day Exclusive

A Revealing Look at Mingus’ 1977 Quintet, Featuring Classic Tracks and Expansive Later Works – Limited Edition Vinyl, Two-CD Set Out April 18

Resonance Records is set to release In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts, a thrilling and long-awaited collection of live performances by jazz legend Charles Mingus. This groundbreaking release, available exclusively as a three-LP set for Record Store Day 2025 on April 12, captures the iconic bassist and composer’s 1977 quintet in two previously unheard performances from his South American tour. It will also be available in a two-CD set on April 18, offering an intimate glimpse into the workings of Mingus’ late-period band.

This collection is the first authorized release of Mingus' 1977 Buenos Aires performances, recorded at Teatro Coliseo and Teatro Sociedad Hebraica Argentina (SHA) on June 2-3, 1977, just months before Mingus was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), which ultimately claimed his life in 1979. Released in full cooperation with the Charles Mingus Estate and Jazz Workshop, Inc., this collection highlights the thrilling interaction between Mingus and his outstanding quintet, featuring Jack Walrath (trumpet), Ricky Ford (tenor saxophone), Robert Neloms (piano), and Dannie Richmond (drums).

In Argentina provides an exclusive opportunity to hear live renditions of classic Mingus compositions like "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" and "Fables of Faubus," alongside later works such as "Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love," "Three or Four Shades of Blue," and "Cumbia and Jazz Fusion." Mingus also performs short solo piano pieces, further showcasing his versatility.

Deluxe Packaging & Special Features

This deluxe edition is a celebration of Mingus’ legacy, with thoughtful liner notes, including an essay by Brian Priestley, author of Mingus: A Critical Biography (1983), and insights from Claudio Parisi, Argentine writer and jazz historian. Additionally, the package includes interviews with Jack Walrath and Ricky Ford, recollections from those who were there, and photographs by Uberto Sagramoso and Tito Villalba, documenting this unforgettable chapter of jazz history.

Mingus’ 1977 quintet had a powerful and unique energy, and the album captures that in full, allowing listeners to experience their infectious chemistry firsthand. As Resonance co-president Zev Feldman puts it, "The band had an amazing energy and simpatico. There was undeniable chemistry, and they just sounded terrific."

A Historic Jazz Document

The In Argentina release represents an essential addition to any jazz lover’s collection, offering a rare and fascinating window into one of Mingus' most overlooked lineups. For years, the 1977 quintet remained largely undocumented, with only a handful of bootlegs surfacing over time. Now, thanks to this official release, Mingus' final working band receives the attention it truly deserves.

In his essay, Priestley emphasizes the importance of this release, noting how the In Argentina concerts have long been underappreciated. "Mingus always surrounded himself with incredible musicians," Priestley writes. "And this group, despite the challenges it faced, remains one of his best."

Track Highlights & Performances

In Argentina captures some of Mingus' most fiery performances, including:

• “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” – A touching, timeless classic

• “Fables of Faubus” – One of Mingus’ most famous political works

• “Cumbia and Jazz Fusion” – A Latin-infused track that exemplifies Mingus’ boundless creativity

• “Three or Four Shades of Blue” – A stunning exploration of color and mood

• “Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love” – A tribute to one of Mingus’ greatest influences

Final Thoughts

For those looking to explore the depth and innovation of Charles Mingus, In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts is a must-have. Whether on vinyl or CD, this set provides a rare chance to hear Mingus in a pivotal moment of his career, with a band that fully realized his bold, adventurous musical vision.

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Pre-order In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts on Record Store Day (April 12) and CD (April 18).

Track Listing:

LP Edition:

• Side A:

  1. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

  2. Fables of Faubus

  3. Cumbia and Jazz Fusion

• Side B:

  1. Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love

  2. Three or Four Shades of Blue

  3. A Short Piano Solo (by Mingus)

• Side C:

  1. Fables of Faubus (Continued)

  2. Three or Four Shades of Blue (Continued)

CD Edition (Bonus Tracks):

• Full concert performance with unreleased tracks and improvisations from Mingus and the quintet.