Album of the Day

Among jazz history's most imposing figures, Charles Mingus blazed trails as a bassist, composer and bandleader. After a decade at other labels, he returned to Atlantic Records and producer Nesuhi Ertegun for MINGUS MOVES, which ranks as a late-career high point. His new combo on the 1973 collection included pianist Don Pullen, saxophonist George Adams and trumpeter Ronald Hampton, with drummer Dannie Richmond back in the fold after several years away – and they're clearly on the same wavelength as their leader. The set pairs such outstanding Mingus originals as “Canon,” “Opus 3” and “Opus 4” with tracks by the rest of the group, all of which provide plenty of space for stellar instrumental work. Charles Mingus was born on this day in 1922, and in his honor we’ll give MINGUS MOVES another spin.