1LP VInyl 700197

Here, bassist, bandleader and composer Charles Mingus leads two different 12-piece ensembles through a selection of some of his best-known compositions, while taking the opportunity to revamp and update them. The titles are changed too so Haitian Fight Song becomes II B.S., Theme For Lester Young is a new version of Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, and so on. Theres also a gorgeously sleepy interpretation of Duke Ellingtons Mood Indigo. The performances are all exquisite, as youd expect from bands featuring some of Minguss most important collaborators including multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy and pianist Jaki Byard. Its timeless, essential jazz.