Charles Mingus looms large as one of the true greats of American Jazz. Composer, virtuoso bassist and pianist and a man who like Duke Ellington created his own brand of music. Two different recording sessions are represented here. The first is from January 1963 with an 11 piece ensemble. Two updates of Mingus compositions featuring the passionate alto saxophone work of the late Charlie Mariano. "I X Love" and "Celia" are the two tunes with some familiar Mingus melodies. The second session from September 1963 with similar personnel had Eric Dolphy replacing Mariano and Mingus regulars, Booker Ervin and Richard Williams in the ensemble and Walter Perkins replacing Mingus' drummer Dannie Richmond. Most of the 6 tunes here are updates of older Mingus compositions with new titles. All great performances. This is one of Mingus' finest albums and one of his most accessible too! Git it!
