I AM THREE & ME: Mingus’ Sounds Of Love

Released January 2018, on Leo Records

Maggie Nicols (vocals), Silke Eberhard (altosax), Nikolaus Neuser (trumpet) and Christian Marien (drums)

„exceptional …one of the most original tributes to Mingus’ music”

– Robert D. Rusch, Papatamus, April 2019

Purchase

In the wake of their hugely successful CD „I AM THREE,“ The Music of Charles Mingus, the trio invited Maggie Nicols to further explore his music. Mingus, the poet. From loving quotes to ironic breaking, from homage to deconstruction, from historic reminiscence to an expression of the current state. With this recording the collective „I am Three & Me“ simultaneously moves closer and away from Mingus, resulting in a present-day reflection.

„Music is life, magic, spirit, healing, liberation, communication, an international language beyond words“ – Maggie Nicols. 

Media

“If you’re a fan of Charlie Mingus’ music I recommend MINGUS’ SOUNDS OF LOVE by the group I AM THREE & ME as one of the most original tributes to Mingus’ music. If you are not familiar with Mingus,  I’d strongly suggest you start with The Clown [1957] anything from his Atlantic recordings from the mid 50s. Then check out this Leo cd for further appreciation. This is also a follow-up on I Am Three and Me’s Mingus tribute of 6/15 also on Leo. On this issue MAGGIE NICOLS [voice] is added to the group. Nicols is particularly effective on “The Clown” where she adds original lyrics which have their own charm.  Instrumentally,  I Am Three & Me is also exceptional.  Nine Mingus compositions  [55:01] handled creatively with soul and originality. This is very nice— one of the years best.”

– Robert D. Rusch, Papatamus, April 2019

Credits

All compositions by Charles Mingus, all lyrics by Charles Mingus (except Haitian Fight Song: by Maggie Nicols)

Music by Charles Mingus arranged by Silke Eberhard, Nikolaus Neuser, Christian Marien (GEMA) and Maggie Nicols

Recorded by Marco Birkner in Berlin, February 2018
Produced by I Am Three & Me and Leo Feigin
Mixed and mastered by Marco Birkner
Photography by Oliver Potratz
Artwork by Jana Weiz