Happy Birthday, Mingus!

Yah, sure, 4/20, whatever. Hold out a couple more days for a more worthy celebration on 4/22, the birthday of bassist and general bad-ass, Charles Mingus. There are few others in the realm of world-domination-via-music who had or have his passion, virtuosity, attitude, earthy funk, innovation, and nose for social commentary. Firmly rooted in the tradition, but always facing forward. It mystifies me to this day how I "got it" even in 8th grade (whatever that means), from the primal shout of "Moanin'" to the frighteningly honest "Myself When I Am Real" to the scathing "Fables of Faubus" or the "Who said momma's lil' baby loves short'nin' bread!?" rap amidst the epic "Cumbia and Jazz Fusion." And it's only grown richer with age.

Thanks to Chris for reminding me about the WKCR all-day birthday marathon. For those of you who are, like me, homebound due to shitty weather, you can still tune in at 89.9 FM in the New York area, or www.wkcr.org online.

In addition to all of Mingus's countless musical offerings, we should not forget his contribution to the world of pet ownership. Many a litter box has been cast aside thanks to the wisdom of this man.