Mingus
Joni Mitchell · 1979
37 min · 11 tracks · folk rock · jazz · art rock
A bold fusion of jazz, folk, and spoken word, reflecting Joni Mitchell's audacity and creativity.
Why this album works
- Best for
- dynamic emotional journeys short immersive interludes reflective storytelling moments
- Context
- Released on June 13, 1979, 'Mingus' represents Joni Mitchell's exploration into jazz after her acclaimed folk and rock albums. This was her first collaboration with jazz legends, following her commercial peak with 'Court and Spark'. The album showcases a shift in her artistry as she sought to pay tribute to the late Charles Mingus.
- If you like
- folk rock, jazz, art rock
Mingus is an album by Joni Mitchell, released in 1979. A bold fusion of jazz, folk, and spoken word, reflecting Joni Mitchell's audacity and creativity. Though it received mixed reviews upon release, 'Mingus' has been acknowledged for its ambitious blending of genres and its influence on subsequent artists exploring jazz-infused rock music. The album features the notable track 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat', which has since become a jazz standard, further solidifying Mitchell's impact beyond popular music. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mingus sound like?
A bold fusion of jazz, folk, and spoken word, reflecting Joni Mitchell's audacity and creativity. Rooted in folk rock and jazz.
What makes Mingus by Joni Mitchell notable?
Though it received mixed reviews upon release, 'Mingus' has been acknowledged for its ambitious blending of genres and its influence on subsequent artists exploring jazz-infused rock music. The album features the notable track 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat', which has since become a jazz standard, further solidifying Mitchell's impact beyond popular music. Released on June 13, 1979, 'Mingus' represents Joni Mitchell's exploration into jazz after her acclaimed folk and rock albums. This was her first collaboration with jazz legends, following her commercial peak with 'Court and Spark'. The album showcases a shift in her artistry as she sought to pay tribute to the late Charles Mingus.
Who is Mingus for?
Mingus works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, short immersive interludes and reflective storytelling moments.
How many songs are on Mingus?
Mingus has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Happy Birthday 1975 (rap) 0:57
- 2 God Must Be a Boogie Man 4:36
- 3 Funeral (rap) 1:07
- 4 A Chair in the Sky 6:42
- 5 The Wolf That Lives in Lindsey 6:33
- 6 I’s a Muggin’ (rap) 0:07
- 7 Sweet Sucker Dance Standout 8:04
- 8 Coin in the Pocket (rap) 0:11
- 9 The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines Standout 3:22
- 10 Lucky (rap) 0:03
- 11 Goodbye Pork Pie Hat Standout 5:36
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