Charles Mingus - Blues And Roots

Made in 1959 the same year as the classic albums Mingus Ah Um and Mingus Dynasty, Blues And Roots is a wild recording that is as much a gospel and blues record as it is a jazz one. Using a large nine piece band featuring six horn players (four saxophonists and two trombonists) who dominate the songs as they play lines across and sometimes seemingly against each other. Mingus drives the band with his powerful bass playing as he shouts his joyful encouragement in the background on this unique and earthy record.

My favorite track is Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting a heavily gospel influenced shout along track that could melt even the most hardened soul. E's Flat Ah's Flat Too is a bluesy free for all and another of the best tracks. If you aren't familiar with Mingus this is recording is a good place to start. He is considered one of the best composers in the history of jazz and had a very individual sound. This is the first record I ever heard from him and was very impressed as I think most open minded music fans would be if they listened to it.

Buy it here.