Jazz Figures / Charles Mingus (1954), Volume 1

by Scott YanowBassist Charles Mingus was at a transitional point in his career when he recorded this music (which was formerly out on Everest). He was about ready to chuck his explorations with modern classical music devices and add a strong emotional feel to his music. For these five selections the unique voices of trumpeter Thad Jones, altoist John LaPorta, Teo Macero on tenor and baritone, cellist Jackson Wiley and drummer Clem DeRosa are mixed together with Mingus's bass and occasional piano to create music tied to bop but utilizing some simultaneous soloing and unusual combinations of sound. The results are not quite essential but they are often fascinating.