Mingus Big Band Flexes Muscle

Mingus Big Band

“Gunslinging Birds” - Dreyfus

The Mingus Big Band, the present-day trustee of the Charles Mingus sound, comes on strong with this set produced by his widow, Sue Mingus. Personnel features Randy Brecker, Ku-Umba Frank Lacy, Kenny Drew Jr., John Stubblefield, and Ryan Kisor, with arrangements by Gunther Schuller, Jack Walrath, and Ronnie Cuber. (Original Mingus charts were used for “Jump Monk” and a surging “Celia.”) The album opens with a powerhouse version of “Gunslinging Bird” and includes a crackling take on “O.P.” and a gently careening “Please Don’t Come Back From The Moon.” Mingus’ civil rights struggles are recalled by the choral shouts of “Fables of Faubus,” penned for a segregationist Arkansas governor.

The Steeles

“Southern Steele” - Daywind

From the jubilant opening strains of “Oh What A Mighty God,” this Mississippi-based trio makes it its musical mission to deliver soul-stirring Southern gospel, strong songs, emotional vocals, and solid production. This 20-song album features 10 cuts from the group’s previous release, “Stirrin’ It Up” (which was not available on CD), as well as 10 new songs. Jeffrey Steele, who penned most of the cuts, proves himself a songwriter of considerable substance on such selections as “God Kept His Promise,” “Warriors of Gray,” and “God Answers Prayer.”

Cindy Church

“Just A Little Rain” - Stony Plain

Cindy Church has one of the more expressive, torchy voices among young female country singers and displays it in fine form on her sophomore release. She has an ear for others’ good songs, especially Floyd Tillman’s “I Gotta Have My Baby Back” and Carl Brouse’s eerie, gothic “Haunted Honky Tonk.”

Luniz

“Operation Stackola” - C-Note/Noo Trybe/ Virgin

Rubbery rhythm rafts featuring live keyboards, buzzing bass notes, and funky wah-wah tones combine in richly arranged tracks that discuss the lifestyles and concerns of pimps, players, hustlers, and game-type women. This is murderous, mellifluous mood music that slinks and pumps with a relaxed virility.