Arnie Somogyi Mingus Band

‘Scenes in the City’ is a Charles Mingus repertoire, rather than a tribute band. Led by Arnie Somogyi, one of the UK’s foremost double bassists, it combines the talents of some of the leading jazz musicians on the British scene. Somogyi's first jazz record was Mingus' landmark 1959 album, "Ah Um". Unknown to him, a connection to one of the most colourful figures in jazz had occurred years earlier when Arnie's Dad met the legendary bass player and composer in the gents’ toilet at Ronnie Scott's.  Not much was said and Arnie's Dad didn't look down!  In October 2013 things came full circle at Ronnie Scott’s when Arnie was asked to step into Mingus’ shoes in the official New York-based Mingus Big Band, after their regular bassist Boris Koslov was unable to make the gig. Initially wary of taking on Mingus' music with his own band, Arnie eventually bit the bullet in 2012, as a special fundraiser for Sheffield Jazz. The musicians and audience enjoyed it so much that he decided to extend the band beyond a one-off gig and record an album of Mingus’ music. The band has gone on to perform at some of the UK’s best-known jazz venues, including Ronnie Scott’s and the Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho, and was extended to a 14-piece big band for a headline slot at the Herts Jazz Festival in 2016. Drawing its repertoire from the music of the great jazz composer and bassist, “Scenes in the City” embodies the freedom of interpretation and drive that characterise the music of one of the most important and colourful figures in jazz. Expect to hear lesser known Mingus compositions as well as familiar favourites such as "Boogie Stop Shuffle", "Fables of Faubus" and "Better Get Hit in Your Soul"

Line Up: Tony Kofi - sax, Jeremy Price - trombone, Mark Edwards - piano, Clark Tracey – drums & Arnie Somogyi - bass