Did Jeff Beck "play the changes" on Goodbye Porkpie Hat?

Question

I have read several different accounts of Charles Mingus' reaction to Jeff Beck's cover of Goodbye Porkpie Hat. One account says he liked it and sent Jeff a note saying this while another says he didn't like it because Jeff "didn't play the changes". What are your thoughts on this? Does or does not Jeff play the changes correctly? I always felt a very bluesy approach suits the song. Did Jeff play the changes?

Answer 1

Ok if you will remind me I will check when I am at my studio but I can see you asked a while back so I will help with this now.

The answer is no for two reasons. Jeff back does not play chords on this version, my best guess is it is Jan Hammer. The chords when the melody is being played do appear right and then the rest of the version is an arrangement and yes kind of bluesy and sound great and is now a classic because of "Wired".

I believe Charles Mingus has passed away and probably details as to accounts are sketchy. Finally if you want to go straight to the source look in only The Real Book that started out being circulated in the 70's, that and only that book is the industry standard.