The Jazz Room at the Stage Door Theater

Overview

Best known for his work with Harry Connick Jr., the St. Louis-born double bass virtuoso pays tribute to one of the “most important figures in twentieth century American music, Charles Mingus.”

Bassist Neal Cain began his musical training at the young age of 3 with the violin, and progressed from the electric and acoustic bass during his high school years. During his freshman year at Tulane University in New Orleans, Neal was offered the chance to join the Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet for their European tour. This would open the door for Caine to work with artists such as Diana Krall, Betty Carter and Harry Connick Jr., whom he has been working with since 2000 as a member of the singer’s big band. Considered one “one of the premier jazz bassist on the scene today,” Neal has racked up quite the impressive musical career as a musician and composer in the jazz scene.

Charles Mingus

A musician of many talents, Charles Mingus is seen as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the twentieth century. Charles received his formal training from H. Rheinshagen, principal bassist of the New York Philharmonic, where he studied double bass and composition, as well as composition technique with the legendary Lloyd Reese. As an accomplished pianist, bass player, band leader and composer, Charles has worked with jazz legends such as Lionel Hampton, Kid Ory, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Mingus’ extraordinary talent has cemented him as a legend in the music world with a legacy that spans across the performing arts world.