Charles Mingus Triumph of the Underdog

Don McGlynns uncompromising and soulful documentary look at the tumultuous life of musician and rebel Charles Mingus is fascinating stuff Mingus said of himself I am half black man half yellow man but I claim to be a Negro I am Charles Mingus the famed jazz musicianbut not famed enough to make a living in America His statement summed up the conflict that plagued this musical genius his entire life volatility pain prescience and raw rage roiled inside a complex man composer bass player and trombonist who transcended labels and refused to be pigeonholed into a single musical styleand who did not achieve real fame until late in his career