Started shortly after bassist/leader Charles Mingus' death in 1979, Mingus Dynasty has featured many of his top alumni in spirited concerts and recordings. Not all of the records come up to the level of Mingus' best performances (the bassist is clearly missed), but many recapture his spirit. The group expanded for a 1988 concert to temporarily become Big Band Charlie Mingus. Among the musicians who have participated in the Mingus Dynasty project (which has resulted in recordings for Elektra, Atlantic, Soul Note, and Storyville) were Jimmy Owens, Randy Brecker, Richard Williams, Jon Faddis, Jimmy Knepper, John Handy, Joe Farrell, Ricky Ford, George Adams, David Murray, Clifford Jordan, Nick Brignola, Don Pullen, Sir Roland Hanna, Jaki Byard, Dannie Richmond, Billy Hart, Kenny Washington, Charlie Haden, Aladar Pege, Mike Richmond, Reggie Johnson, Reggie Workman, and Richard Davis. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi