Mingus Sings! Celebrating the Legacy of Jazz Icon Charles Mingus

Sara Oschlag – vocals, Arnie Somogyi – bass, Tony Kofi – saxophones, Tim Lapthorn – piano, Clark Tracey – drums

Renowned Danish-born jazz vocalist Sara Oschlag and award-winning UK bassist Arnie Somogyi embark on a fascinating new project paying tribute to legendary jazz icon, Charles Mingus. This extraordinary all-star band features Mingus’ timeless compositions with added lyrics – some written by Mingus himself, others by Sara Oschlag and some by Joni Mitchell from her 1979 album, ‘Mingus’. The project brings a fresh and innovative perspective to the Mingus jazz classics that have influenced generations of musicians and listeners, and is delivered by absolute stalwarts of the UK jazz scene, all bandleaders in their own right – Tony Kofi on sax, Clark Tracey (son of Stan) on drums and Tim Lapthorn on piano

Charles Mingus, an iconic figure in the world of jazz, left an indelible mark on the genre with his innovative compositions, virtuosic bass playing, and fearless approach to music. Arnie Somogyi, internationally renowned bassist and composer, is no stranger to Mingus’ music. He has led his own Mingus repertoire band, ‘Scenes in the City’ for over ten years and has headlined at Ronnie Scott’s with the official Mingus Big Band, a star-studded ensemble originally established by Sue Mingus, dedicated to performing the Mingus canon.
Somogyi’s mastery of the double bass and his profound understanding of the essence of Mingus’ music make him the ideal leader for this project.

Sara Oschlag, known for her soulful and expressive vocals, has earned a reputation as one of the most dynamic emerging jazz vocalists of her generation. Currently first choice vocalist with the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, her ability to convey deep emotions through her voice makes her the perfect choice to breathe new life into Mingus’ compositions. With her distinctive style and heartfelt interpretations, Oschlag has captivated audiences with her take on Mingus’ extraordinary repertoire.

Expect to hear classics such as “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat,” “Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love,” and “Mingus Fingers” like never before.