Next week’s screening at the Lower East Side Heritage Film Series looks like a doozy. In honor of what would have been legendary jazz musician Charles Mingus’ 90th birthday, they will present Mingus (1968, 59 min., 16mm). The documentary, directed by Thomas Reichman, is a 1966 interview with Mingus during the time of his eviction from his apartment at 5 Great Jones Street.
They write: With his five-year-old daughter Carolyn and amidst the clutter of his belongings, the famed double bass player, pianist, composer and bandleader, addresses the camera and discusses his work, the discrimination he experienced in the United States and abroad, and the often complicated relationships of men and women.
Mingus’ monologue is intercut with footage of him performing at Lennies On The Turnpike with numbers including: “All the Things You Are,” “Secret Love,” and “Take the A Train.” At the conclusion, Mingus is evicted from his home and arrested on a mistaken drug charge. His belongings are hauled away and his double bass is (albeit temporarily) abandoned on the city street.
Seward Park Library Community Room // 192 E. Broadway // FREE // 6:30pm.
