Is there anything better sounding than in Haitian Fight Song when the trumpets come wailing? Gets me every time.

I got Black Saint and the Sinner Lady from the public library the other day, and it is incredible! The texture of this music is amazingly rich and interesting. They are definitely some of the greatest jazz compositions I've heard, maybe the best. I'm looking forward to hearing more of his works.

I based one of my college admissions essays off of The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady's liner notes. Everything about that album is amazing. It's one of the most personal albums I've ever listened to, yet it hits home with so many different people at the same time. The translation of personal ideas to communal ones is a true artistic talent, and Mingus was one of the most talented in that regard.

My personal ranking of his albums:

1) The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady
2) Blues & Roots
3) Mingus x5
4) Mingus Ah Um
5) Let My Children Hear Music
6) Mingus at Antibes

... I'd have to spend some more time figuring out the rest.

i love Cumbria & Jazz Fusion

(i may be the only one)

I feel almost improper for posting after Howard. I hope you're slaying in the after life. Shine on you crazy diamond.

Heard this Mingus track. Loved it. Throwing it on the old record player.

Mingus was THE man, period. Mingus Ah Um, all the way, pure classic. You should also check the Mingus Big Band, which Boris Kozlov currently leads.