Attilio Zanchi, Massimo Colombo, Tommy Bradascio, Gianni Azzali - Mingus Portrait (2024) [Official Digital Download]

When producer Rocco Pandiani approached Maestro Attilio Zanchi about collaborating on an album for Mono Jazz label, he discovered Zanchi's longstanding passion project: a tribute to jazz legend Charles Mingus, which he had nurtured for two decades with a close-knit group of musicians. Initially, Pandiani had a different project in mind, so to convince him, Zanchi swiftly organized a concert in Milan featuring the full septet. The electrifying performance ended with the audience ecstatically cheering and dancing. Impressed, Rocco agreed to proceed with the record production, which took place three months later at Novenove studio in Milan.

The group involved originates from a musical collaboration spanning over thirty years between double bassist Attilio Zanchi, pianist Massimo Colombo and saxophonist Tino Tracanna, and is complemented by saxophonist Gianni Azzali, drummer Tommy Bradascio, and two new young talents of the Italian Jazz scene: trombonist Andrea Andreoli and trumpeter Daniele Nocella.

"Mingus Portrait" is a monumental album that captures the essence of Mingus's dynamic and expressive music and is set to become one of the most celebrated tributes to Charles Mingus ever. In the words of Attilio Zanchi: "Charles Mingus's music is, and will remain, in the hearts and ears of all Jazz lovers, serving to inspire generations of musicians. […] His music can almost be considered an encyclopedic portrait of Jazz history and can still be played today without appearing dated, instead providing new insights and inspiration.

One day, when he was already very ill, Charles Mingus said to his wife Sue: "You know, I've already had a body. Next time I want to be a star. I want to shine all night." We do not know if his wish was granted, but certainly his music continues to shine and illuminate the world like a star."

Tracklist:

01. Boogie Stop Shuffle
02. Jelly Roll
03. Peggy's Blue Sky
04. Mingus Portrait
05. Better Git It In Your Soul
06. Fables Of Fabus
07. For Harry Carney
08. Remember Rockefeller At Attica
09. Sue's Changes
10. Sound Of Love



Released June 24, 2024

Attilio Zanchi: leader & bass
Gianni Azzali: tenor sax & flute
Tino Tracanna: soprano sax (1/2/5 and 7)
Andrea Andreoli: trombone (1/2/4/5/6/7/8 and 10)
Daniele Nocella: trumpet (1/3/5/6/8 and 9)
Massimo Colombo: piano
Tommy Bradascio: drums

All tracks composed by Charles Mingus unless otherwise stated.
‘Mingus Portrait’ published by Right Tempo SNC; all other tracks Copyright control.

Produced by Rocco Pandiani for Right Tempo
Executive production by Attilio Zanchi
Art direction by Giulio ‘jazzy jules’ Maini
Graphic design by Enrico Pandiani & Pierre Mordenti
Front cover photo © Barbara Caliari
Liner notes by Enrico Sola
Director of operations: Vanja Favetta
Special thanks to Alessandro Boriani

Recorded in Milano on October 22 and 23, 2023 at Novenove studio Milano
Mixed at Novenove studio on November 16, 2023
Recorded and mixed by Simone Tornaquindici

Thanks to the Original customer!