Weird Nightmare - Meditations on Mingus
by: Various Artists
Your Price: $11.98
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Sales Rank: 114239
Sales Rank: 114239
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Music : Weird Nightmare - Meditations on Mingus |
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Rating: - * A homage to a great musician but ORIGINAL ... The music, recitations, arrangements, playing on this CD are the closest one can get to recreating the INTENT of an original artist without copying or seeming a pale imitation of that original. I think great artists who have created a whole new SOUND are notoriously difficult when it comes to playing their music. This is a notable exception. The SOUL of Mingus is here, but the sound is a completely new realisation of his work. A tremendous effort by all concerned. Brilliant. Rating: - * Maybe a few MORE \"Weird Nightmares\" are called for ... OK, first of all, I've been a bassist for about 35 years now, and to acknowledge Mingus as the absolute apothesis of bass players is (say it with me, now: DUH!) a moot point. And now, here's some of his stuff produced by Hal Willner, a gentleman I'd GREATLY enjoy sharing an..."illegal substance" with. And if THAT ain't enough, Willner's able to incorporate some of the noted eccentric American composer, Harry Partch's own homemade instuments on all of the material presented. And the list of guest artists is absolutely astounding. Dig: some of New York's finest "advant-garde" (sp?) musicians like Bill Frisell, Gary Lucas, and bassist extraordinare, Greg Cohen musicians provide most of the music. The "cameos" are a real hoot, too: the Band's Robbie Roberson recites "Playing Chess With Bobby Fischer;" Elvis Costello sings the title track; and there's this GREAT "jug band" version of Mingus' "Open Letter To Duke," featuring the likes of Tony Trischka, Howard Levy, and Bobby Previte; but, for my money, the best two tracks are Chuck D's rap version of "Gunslinging Bird," and Keith Richards'/Charlie Watts/Bobby Keyes jam with the Uptown Horns on "Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb On Me." If you're a jazz purist, I can guarantee that you'll miss the joke completely and be mightily offended by these "pop" musicians attempting Mingus' material. But to the rest of us, "Weird Nightmare" is a GREAT (albeit slightly...twisted) introduction to the phenomenal entity that is Charles Mingus. Rating: - * Willner's best so far ... Producer Hal Willner has raised the format of the tribute album to an art form. Weird Nightmare is the fifth (and last?) in his series of albums on which a disparate cast of jazz, rock and other musicians cover material by one and the same composer. The covered composers are Nino Rota (Amacord Nino Rota, 1982), Thelonious Monk (That's the Way I Feel Now, 1984), Kurt Weill (Lost in the Stars, 1985; September Songs from 1997 covers much the same ground with less success), Walt Disney - or rather his songwriters - (Stay Awake, 1988) and Charles Mingus (Weird Nightmare, 1992). The Mingus tribute features a number of instruments with unusual pitch and sound constructed by avant-garde DIY composer Harry Partch that provide a very eerie vibe to this record, readings from unpublished sections of Mingus' autobiography Beneath the Underdog by hip celebrities (i.a. Henry Rollins ruminating on the word 'groovy'), songs played by a 'house band' composed of 'downtown' jazz musicians such as Don Byron, Bill Frisell, Bobby Previte and Greg Cohen and guest performers and arrangers that include Henry Threadgill, Elvis Costello, Keith Richards and Chuck D. Richards sings and plays a hilarious version of the blues 'Oh Lord, Don't Let them Drop That Atomic Bomb on Me' and Chuck D. delivers an explosive two-minute rap based on a passage from Mingus' autobio that is underpinned by weird but rhythmic sounds from the Harry Partch instruments and a solid Bill Frisell guitar workout (too rarely heard, these days). The disparate elements that went into the making of this album are ingenously combined by Willner into a multifaceted CD that is a truthful reflection of Charles Mingus' complex and self-contradictory personality and music. On top of that this record is also quite entertaining, highly musical and even moving in places. Not for the faint of heart or musical purists. Rating: - * An Overlooked Classic ... If you are a fan of Mingus, this is an essential CD. The interpretations of the compositions here are outstanding. The roster of contributors includes Vernon Reid, Bill Frisell, Elvis Costello, Diamanda Galas, Dr. John, and Keith Richards with spoken word segments done by Chuck D. of Public Enemy, Henry Rollins, Hubert Selby, Jr., Leonard Cohen, and Robbie Robertson. The variety of moods on the CD ranges from uplifting and energetic to, as the title might tell you, unsettling and dark. This is one of the best albums of the '90s that deserved far greater attention. I think Mingus would have dug it. Rating: - * An Ambient Experience worth taking ... Hal Willner's "Meditation on Mingus..." is one of the best ambient, experimental, compilations I've ever heard, the sort of album that never quite leaves you. I was hooked the first time I listened to it, and while there are moments of the album that I tend to skip over, the parts that I listen to over and over easily make up for it. I would recommend this one to anyone who enjoys peculiar, one of a kind explorations into sound. |
The story is pointedly set in the late 1980s, years before the establishment of the WNBA, so Monica's prospects for pro ball lie exclusively in Europe, while Quincy steps into the pros at home. It's a pleasure to see a character as passionate and fully developed as Monica, and Lathan gives a fiery portrayal (she had never played ball before the film, but you'd never tell from her performance). Prince-Bythewood favors her struggle over Quincy's and opens our eyes to her unique challenges with a sharp, savvy contrast. Alfre Woodard costars as Monica's harping mom (always trying to get her to be more ladylike) and Dennis Haysbert is Quincy's philandering father. Hoops fan Spike Lee produced. --Sean Axmaker
 A large, easy-to-read display helps you keep tabs on your workout. View larger. |
The device's large, easy-to-read LCD display can separately display aerobic steps and minutes walked more than 10 minutes continuously, so you always have the information you need right in front of you. Meanwhile, a seven day history lets you review a full week of exercise. The device also resets at midnight automatically so it's ready to go every morning. Of course, the device can also function as a handy and highly accurate clock. It also comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap so it's always close at hand.
The HJ-112 is powered by a replaceable lithium battery (CR2032) that will last six months when used for walking 10,000 steps a day. The device measures approximately 2.8 x 2.1 x .6 inches (H x W x D) and weighs 1.1 ounces (not including battery).
What's in the Box
Pedometer, battery (CR2032), screwdriver, strap, clip for strap, holder, and instructional manual.
| Compare Omron Pedometers | ||||
 |  HJ-150 |  HJ-151 |  HJ-112 |  HJ-720ITC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement |
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| Product Placement | Clip to belt | Clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt |
| History | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days (displayed) 42 days (in memory) |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Batteries | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) |
| Estimated Battery Life | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) |
| Time of Day Display |  | | | |
| Omron Health Management Software |  | | | |
Does it matter where the pedometer is placed or attached?
The HJ-150 and 151 Pedometer must be positioned correctly. Attach the unit to your belt or to the top of your waistband. The unit must be horizontal to the ground in order for the unit to function correctly. The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer can also be placed in your pocket or purse.
What's the accuracy rate of Omron pedometers?
The precision of the step counting is within +/- 5%.
What are moderate steps?
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended each day. The HJ-151 Pedometer separately displays the steps and minutes walked at a moderate pace.
What are aerobic steps?
The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer separately displays aerobic steps and minutes that start counting after 10 minutes of continuous walking with more than 60 steps a minute.
How does the PC software work?
The HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP. It keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.
The device's large, easy-to-read LCD display can separately display aerobic steps and minutes walked more than 10 minutes continuously, so you always have the information you need right in front of you. Meanwhile, a seven day history lets you review a full week of exercise, and there's also a 42-day memory for uploading past workouts to your PC. The device resets at midnight automatically so it's ready to go every morning. Of course, the device can also function as a handy and highly accurate clock. It also comes with a detachable belt holder and security strap so it's always close at hand.
The HJ-720ITC is powered by a replaceable lithium battery (CR2032) that will last six months when used for walking 10,000 steps a day. The pedometer also includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP, which keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.
 The included Omron Health Management Software provides a steps graph that lets you see how your values are trending over time. View larger. |  View pedometer and blood pressure data together (via a split screen) on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. View larger. |
| Compare Omron Pedometers | ||||
| HJ-150 | HJ-151 | HJ-112 | HJ-720ITC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement |
|
|
|
|
| Product Placement | Clip to belt | Clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt | Pocket, bag or clip to belt |
| History | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days | 7 days (displayed) 42 days (in memory) |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Batteries | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) | 3 VDC (1 lithium battery CR2032) |
| Estimated Battery Life | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 1 year (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) | Approx. 6 months (when used for walking 10,000 steps a day) |
| Time of Day Display | | | | |
| Omron Health Management Software | | | | |
Does it matter where the pedometer is placed or attached?
The HJ-150 and 151 Pedometer must be positioned correctly. Attach the unit to your belt or to the top of your waistband. The unit must be horizontal to the ground in order for the unit to function correctly. The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer can also be placed in your pocket or purse.
What's the accuracy rate of Omron Pedometers?
The precision of the step counting is within +/- 5%.
What are moderate steps?
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is recommended each day. The HJ-151 Pedometer separately displays the steps and minutes walked at a moderate pace.
What are aerobic steps?
The HJ-112 and HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer separately displays aerobic steps and minutes that start counting after 10 minutes of continuous walking with more than 60 steps a minute.
How does the PC software work?
The HJ-720ITC Pocket Pedometer includes PC software for Windows 2000 or XP. It keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly and yearly progress.
