Happy birthday to Charles Mingus, who would have officially become a nonagenarian this coming April 22, 2012 — a word I am certain he could have cleverly crafted into a title. And to celebrate one of the most unique and gifted voices in not just the jazz world, but, in my opinion, the whole of 20th century music, we are projecting on 16mm this wonderfully insightful film capturing Mingus at a very specific period in his life. A must see for all fans of Charles Mingus.

We are pleased to offer the following film on Tuesday evening, April 3, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. Sixth part in the series:

Photo: tommarcello via Flickr Mingus (1968, 59 min., 16mm)

Thomas Reichman directs this 1966 interview with jazz musician Charlie Mingus at the time of his eviction from his lower Manhattan loft. 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's 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.

Mingus is presented courtesy of the Reserve Film and Video Collection of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Mingus has been preserved with funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

This is a FREE monthly series held at Seward Park Library. Documentary and feature films (both 16mm and DVD) shot on location in lower Manhattan are presented the first Tuesday of every month.

Previously: Lower East Side Heritage Film Series, Season 2, Part 5. Follow us on Facebook: Lower East Side Heritage Collection