Mingus Big Band
The Pocket130 West 46th Street, New York 10036
Mingus Big Band brings its ongoing Mingus Mondays residency to The Pocket with a 14-piece ensemble devoted exclusively to the music of Charles Mingus. Created by Sue Mingus, the band presents fresh arrangements of the composer, bassist and activist’s work in the larger-band format he envisioned but could not always assemble during his lifetime. The changing structure is built for deep exploration, evolving ideas and space for individual voices, in the spirit of Mingus’s Jazz Workshop projects.
A New York institution, the ensemble was formed by Sue Mingus in 1991, following the Mingus Dynasty septet and the 1989 Epitaph orchestra. Its rotating personnel has drawn from established and rising New York musicians, with past lineups including Randy Brecker, Ronnie Cuber, Vincent Herring, Donny McCaslin, Orrin Evans and Jeff “Tain” Watts. The band has maintained a weekly New York residency for decades, released twelve recordings, earned seven Grammy nominations and won in 2011 for Live at Jazz Standard. Reviewing the group, The Guardian heard “power, passion and capricious swing,” while The Telegraph described “anarchy and tight discipline rubbing shoulders.”
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.