'Mingus 100 Festival' #1: Cologne Mingus Session Part I | Pablo Held Investigates … Charles McPherson | Theresia Philipp Group feat. Charles McPherson

Artist in Residence: Charles McPherson

On April 22, 2022, bassist, composer and bandleader Charles Mingus would have turned 100. Sometimes progressive innovator and early adopter, sometimes avant-gardist, sometimes form-conscious traditionalist: Mingus was always about artistic freedom, which he demanded passionately, wildly and impetuously, and for which he fought both musically and politically.

The two-day festival 'Mingus 100' is about the art of heightened expression, with which Mingus opened up new freedoms for his soloists. And about the fundamental idea of freedom. Denis Gäbel, Robert Landfermann, Theresia Philipp and many guests explore, honor, interpret, "taste" Charles Mingus. And in the middle of it all, a legend: Saxophonist Charles McPherson, born in 1939, joined Mingus in 1960 and toured with him until 1972.
The concerts are complemented by an accompanying film program. The Filmhaus Köln will show the documentary 'Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog' on Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. and on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. the feature film 'Shadows' by filmmaker John Cassavetes, who worked with pieces by Charles Mingus for the soundtrack.

20:00 - Cologne Mingus Session Part I

Out of reverence for the music of Charles Mingus, Denis Gäbel realized a very special project with Robert Landfermann and Leif Berger, the album 'The Mingus Sessions', released in June 2022. Renowned soloists complement the brilliantly recorded trio. For the two 'Cologne Mingus Sessions', which will take place live during the festival, these musicians will be on board.

20:45 - Pablo Held Investigates ... Charles McPherson

For "Pablo Held Investigates" the pianist talks to his musical idols and companions about their music, their creative process, their inspiration and about many a memorable experience. Now saxophonist and longtime Mingus companion Charles McPherson is his guest and conversation partner, live on stage.

21:30 - Theresia Philipp Group feat. Charles McPherson

At the age of 21, alto saxophonist Charles McPherson was featured on Mingus' masterpiece 'MDM' - alongside none other than Eric Dolphy. Later, Mingus once praised him as the "Saxophonist of Tomorrow", having just brought him into his 'My Favourite Quintet'. Now the 83-year-old is a guest with Theresia Philipp's sensationally cast band for this evening: in addition to the band leader and alto saxophonist, pianist Felix Hauptmann, recently awarded the Cologne Jazz Prize, bassist Nick Dunston, who is currently enriching the Berlin jazz scene after many years in New York, and drummer Lukas Akintaya, who also has New York experience.

Accompanying film program at the Filmhaus Köln:

October 03, 5:00 p.m.
Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog
Documentary // Director: Don McGlynn // 1997 // 78 minutes // English

October 09, 6:00 p.m.
Shadows
Feature film // Director: John Cassavetes // Music: Charles Mingus, Shafi Hadi // 1959 // 87 minutes // English