Scenes in the City - The Music of Charles Mingus

A repertoire, rather than a tribute band, Scenes in the City, led by Arnie Somogyi, combines the talent of some of the UK's leading jazz musicians.

Unknown to him, a connection to one of the most colourful figures in jazz had occurred years earlier when Arnie's Dad shared a urinal (the trough variety, not the small porcelain type) at Ronnie Scott's with the bass legend. 

Not much was said and Arnie's Dad didn't look down!

Initially wary of taking on Mingus' music, Arnie eventually bit the bullet as a special fundraiser for Sheffield Jazz. The musicians and audience enjoyed it so much that he decided to extend the band beyond a one-off gig.

Drawing its repertoire from the music of the great jazz composer and bassist, Charles Mingus, the band embodies the freedom of interpretation and drive that characterise the music of one of the most important and colourful figures in jazz.

Expect to hear lesser known Mingus compositions as well as familiar favourites such as "Boogie Stop Shuffle", "Fables of Faubus" and "Better Get Hit in Your Soul"

Arnie Somogyi and Tim Lapthorn

Jeremy Price and Alan Barnes

Lineup:

Arnie Somogyi, bass

Alan Barnes, saxophones

Tony Kofi, saxophones

Jeremy Price, trombone

Mark Edwards, piano

Clark Tracey, drums

"Many bands would be setting themselves up for a fall by choosing to play pieces by a giant of jazz like Mingus to an audience full of knowledgeable listeners.  But rather than falling this was a set of  soaring, beautifully realised interpretations which made a respectful nod to Mingus-era performances, while giving each musician enough space to create the individual solos which are essential to the all-star line-up. Somogyi avoided pastiching Mingus, and played as himself, but when the band picked up a number in which Mingus fingers were required he didn’t disappoint."

Tim Wall. www.justlikejazz.org

Tony Kofi