CiTR

This session began as a small group date with Mingus' Jazz Workshop band but because he was recording for major label Mingus convinced the powers that be to increase the budget to bring in more people. This happened and this turned out to be a date for a large ensemble...24 pieces! It was done in 2 sessions, one with the very large ensemble and the other the next day with his expanded small band. It is a unique date and foreshadows some of Mingus' large ensemble projects that he did later in the 60s and 70s. Some great solos abound here, Booker Ervin, Yusef Lateef and others but this date emphasizes Mingus' compositions. Some were written very early in his life and updated here. The original album was called "Pre-Bird" and then later rel;eased as "Mingus Revisited". All in all a rewarding listening experience.