Eclipse Music

There are several jazz pieces called “Eclipse.” Tenor saxophonist Gato Barbieri, the Japanese group called Kyoto Jazz Massive, and the Mexican singer Bere Contreras, among others, have performed or recorded compositions with that name.

The best known “Eclipse,” though, remains the one that Charles Mingus first recorded in the 1950s and revived for a 1972 concert at Philharmonic Hall in New York. In the ‘72 concert, Mingus performed with a 21 piece all-star band conducted by Teo Macero. The saxophones included Gerry Mulligan, Gene Ammons, Lee Konitz, James Moody and Charles McPherson. The brass and rhythm sections were equally distinguished. Bill Cosby was the master of ceremonies. In this track recorded at the concert, Honi Gordon sings “Eclipse,” whose lyric begins,

Eclipse, when the moon meets the sun.
Eclipse, two bodies become as one…

Here are Mingus, Ms. Gordon and the band