Charles Mingus
 

Because quite frankly, he's the greatest jazz bassist to ever walk the planet. Without him, we never would've had the greats that followed such as Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorious and Dave Holland. Not to mention Mingus was a prolific writer too. Newbies to his music should start with Mingus Ah Um, The Mingus Dynasty and Tijuana Moods. Once you've had the chance to let that seep into your brain, then go for the more non-accessible stuff like his masterpieces The Clown, Pithecanthropus Erectus, Five Mingus and The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady.

Let's hear the love.

I bow before Mingus on all days of the week. My favorite jazz leader, except for Miles and Trane. I would say he's the best upright bassist of all time, but not best jazz bassist period, I think (I'm not a bass player, but I get the feeling) that electric and upright are played too differently for the players to be compared.

My personal favorite three Mingus records would be Black Saint, Pithecanthropus Erectus, and Mingus at Antibes, in that order.

Well in skill terms, Pastorious and Clarke are probably better... But you are right, he is a top canidate for best upright bassist of all time... In greatness terms, he's way up there.

I LOVE Mingus.

Wonderful, wonderful bassist.

Well, I prefer Jaco Pastorius over Mingus as a bassist.

But I love Charles Mingus. I have Minor Intrusion and Prebird which are both great albums.

Amazziinngggggg

All I have to say about him is Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus!!!!

Pretty much a bad-ass bassist. I remember we played Haitian Fight Song in my high school jazz band, that tune just kicks. We didn't do it near enough justice but that song has so much power no matter how you play it.

Major props to Mingus.
MASSEY HALL, SON.