You’re well on point that Mingus makes the orchestration swing, Frown.
Even though the ensembles are totally different I think this album was influenced by Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris (1963).
There are different approaches to this kind of project and if it’s good it’s good.
Charlie Parker with Strings (1950), also an easy five star masterpiece, is very different in that the strings aren’t so much a part of the jazz but lay down a beautiful lush orchestration behind it. Not better or worse just a different approach.
On Bill Evans Trio with Symphony Orchestra (1966), Evans showcases his classical skills to great effect.
A very interesting one is Ornette’s Skies of America which was released in 1972, the same year as this. On that recording, a favorite of mine, Ornette uses the London Symphony Orchestra as part of the experimentation.
Of course, there are many third stream records that could be called upon for comparison. This is one where Mingus brings it in and does his thing with it.
5/5 stars of course.
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