„In other words: I am three“. This is how Mingus‘ autobiography begins. The collaborative project „I Am Three“ of Berlin based musicians Silke Eberhard (altosax), Nikolaus Neuser (trumpet) and Christian Marien (drums) plays the music of Charles Mingus. They demonstrate that it is still possible to make a fresh statement and to interprete the music in a highly contemporary way. In the best traditions of Mingus, they take chances, they are extremely playful and they are faithful to Mingus‘ spirit.
Their debut album Mingus Mingus Mingus (Leo Records 752) was extremely well received and included in several best lists:
„Best Albums of 2016“, DownBeat Magazine, NYC (1/2017)
„Best of 2016“, The New York City Jazz Record, NYC (1/2017) in two categories: „albums of the year“ and „tributes“
„Best Releases of 2016“, Troy Dostert – All About Jazz, NYC (12/2016)
„Jazz. Os melhores Discos de 2016“ Observador, Portugal, José Carlos Fernandez (12/2016)
„Recommended new release“ , The New York City Jazz Record (10/2016)
„Mingus looms all too large in progressive jazz of the last century to ever be forgotten. He’s too enigmatic a figure to replicate. To varying degrees, such diverse figures as Jean Derome, Joni Mitchell and Hal Willner – not to mention the standing Mingus Big Band and Mingus Orchestra – have attempted to fit into his shoes. This German double-horn trio stands up with the best of them.“
DownBeat Magazin, NYC, (Kurt Gottschalk, ★ ★ ★ ★, 9/2016)
„Of the many ways in which this record honors Mingus, it’s really its spirit of inventiveness that stands out the most. A terrific accomplishment, and a strong contender for one of 2016’s best releases.“
All about Jazz, NYC, (Troy Dostert, ★ ★ ★ ★ ★, 9/2016)
„Direkter und schonungsloser kann man die Intensität der Mingus‘schen Themen wohl kaum ins Heute verpflanzen.“ Jazzthetik, März/April 2017 (Stefan Pieper)
„The ultimate Music Minus One that doesn’t miss the One!“ Jazz weekly, 11/2016 (George W. Harris)
„A brilliant album.“ Ken Cheetham, jazzviews, 12/2016
I AM THREE 