Mingus Big Band
The Pocket130 West 46th Street, New York 10036
Mingus Big Band brings its ongoing Mingus Mondays residency to The Pocket with two performances devoted exclusively to the music of Charles Mingus. Created by Sue Mingus, the 14-piece ensemble revisits his compositions through new large-band arrangements, realizing the expanded format Mingus envisioned but could not always assemble during his lifetime. The rotating band draws out the music’s open structures, leaving room for deep exploration, changing ideas, and individual expression in the spirit of Mingus’ Jazz Workshop projects.
The group is built from a rotating pool of established and rising New York musicians, carrying forward a repertory shaped by the celebrated American composer, bassist, and activist Charles Mingus. Its approach makes Mingus’ writing a living framework rather than a fixed museum piece: arrangements serve the ensemble’s collective force as well as the players’ individual voices. Mingus Big Band has received seven Grammy nominations, most recently for The Charles Mingus Centennial Sessions in 2022, and won a Grammy in 2011 for Live at Jazz Standard.
The Pocket offers a close-up encounter with world-class jazz musicians in a small, focused setting where every note feels immediate and unfiltered. The room is designed to bring listeners near the performers, creating a direct connection that makes the music feel personal and vivid. Seating is limited and arranged to emphasize attentive listening rather than casual socializing, with a bar available to complement the experience. Shows are ticketed, encouraging an audience that is there to fully engage with the performance. The venue’s location in Manhattan places it within easy reach of the city’s vibrant cultural pulse, making it a perfect spot for an evening dedicated to serious jazz appreciation without distractions.