As I get older, I find myself listening to more and more jazz music. I must admit that I'm still pretty much a novice of this form of music, and I know little to nothing about Charles Mingus. Regardless, Mingus must have been a pretty diverse jazz player since this disc explores many different forms of jazz. The opening tune, "Boogie Stop Shuffle" is more of a fusion number. Complete with horns and some classy wah-wah guitar, the song is a pretty heavy number but and excititing way to start off the album. "Opus Three" is a song more in line with the classic jazz sound. It's surprising to hear a violin solo in the middle of all this, but it's a very welcome addition. "Cumbia Jazz Fusion" is unlike any of the other songs on the album. More of a bosa nova dance number than jazz, Summers plays some nice clear guitar notes. "Weird Nightmare" is the first vocal song on the cd. Debby Harry steps in perfectly as the sultry voiced jazz vocalist. It's a slow club-style number which is more traditional jazz. Q-tip sings on "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat/Where Can a Man Find Peace?". He raps some interesting verses while Summers plays hot guitar lead in the background. The song somehow works despite all this complicated playing and talking going on. The guest list goes on to include the Kronos Quartet on "Myself When I Am Real". The most interesting song is probably "Self Portrait in Three Colors". Summers pulls out and electric sitar along with his sylistic guitar work to create a real pleasant atmosphere in the song. A touch of acoustic guitar and cello turns the song into more of a new age number. The bass and drums don't give in though, it's still very jazzy at the heart of things!
Though "Peggy's Blue Skylight" is probably not for everyone, it is a pretty serious jazz recording. Though for the purist as well as the novice, this cd would probably satisfy many ears. I'm sure Summer's next recording will be as different as this one, but equally exciting. Perhaps it's time to also explore some of the original works of Mingus as well!
