Charles Mingus: Blues & Roots

Charles Mingus gained a reputation as a bass prodigy. Born in 1922, he became a world renowned jazz musician as an upright bassist, composer, bandleader, pianist, and author. He was a major proponent of collective improvisation, possibly driven by his inability to quickly read music during his teenage years. Having collaborated with jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Max Roach, and Eric Dolphy, Mingus gained a depth of experience and education that heavily influenced his diverse range of styles and the direction of his compositions.

Released in 1960 on the Atlantic label, Mingus shared in the album's liner notes that the recording was "unusual". He continues "because some people, particularly critics, were saying I didn't swing enough. I wanted to give them a barrage of soul music: churchy, blues, swinging, earthy. I thought it over. I was born swinging and clapped my hands in church as a little boy, but I've grown up and I like to do things other than just swing. But blues can do more than just swing. So I agreed."

Track List
A1. Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting
A2. Cryin' Blues
B1. Moanin'
C1. Tensions
C2. My Jelly Roll Soul
D1. E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

The 2023 release of Blues & Roots by Analogue productions was released as a two record set on 180-gram vinyl pressed at 45 RPM. It was mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from the original analog tape and plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings and RTI. As has been the case for the other Charles Mingus by AP, Blues & Roots is an outstanding pressing. Kevin Gray has mastered a very dynamic and detailed record with an incredible sound stage and great musical separation. QRP/RTI delivered on their end as well, providing a very quiet and flat vinyl record.

If you are looking for what is, in our opinion, the definitive version of Blues & Roots, the 2023 release by AP is the go to release. There is also a 2023 rerelease of this pressing by AP under the Atlantic Records 75th Anniversary catalog that is likely just as good. 💰



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