[Jaden]

Charles Mingus [and friends]: Blues & Roots
Atlantic 1305, from February 4, 1959/ released 1960

I think all in all 1959 was a year of crisis for horn based American jazz - here, in 6* original composition/arrangements by Mingus, melodic elegance takes a back seat to raw emotion & expression. While all this cacophony was going on, the cool jazz guitarists elsewhere were honing their craft to take jazz into a new (and solidifying) classic direction and purpose. This Mingus album I’ve found is a difficult but ultimately cathartic experience.

*6 on vinyl/ 10 on reissue compilation