Record date: February 29, 1979
In 1979 Mal was on tour with German drummer Klaus Weiss. Having released two masterpieces in the previous years he wasn’t really active in 1979 in the studios. The only record he really made was this solo live record, which was recorded in a small jazz club in Spa, Belgium. He plays originals only of which two are pretty well known: Snake Out and Here, There and Anywhere (which is mistitled and should have been Here, There and Everywhere).
This really isn't one of his most recommendable solo works to be honest. Though there are some pretty good and interesting parts, most of this solo effort is a bit forgettable. The opening title tune misses a bit of a direction but it misses mostly that typical Mal feeling. It’s a nice effort but it’s just nothing special. One would have expected more from Mal honoring the great bassist. The version of ‘Snake Out’ is the most interesting on this album. Mal takes his time to fully stretch out on it and plays like a maniac almost destroying the pianos keys. Much energy for just a solo performance. As he speeds up he never gets out of time or off beat anywhere. A prime example of his percussive playing. The other interesting part comes with ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ which again is sped up a little and full of passion.
What is really bothering is that the piano is out of tune. In some parts it’s acceptable but in other parts it really ruins Mal’s playing. Keith Jarrett probably would have become very angry and left the concert venue. Fortunately Mal is a more modest person and did play the damn thing but one can’t make right what sounds wrong of course.
‘Mingus Lives’ was never released on cd, probably because of what I am writing in my review: it’s not a bad record at all but there are far more interesting solo sessions by Mal, both live as in the studio. It's widely available for a low price on the web. Nice to have but not essential.
(Correction: Mingus Lives now has a first time cd release! Reissue on Solid records)
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