Sony
Sony Mingus Ah Um
★★★★★
Charles Mingus's genre-defining masterpiece — Mingus Ah Um remains one of the most essential jazz albums ever recorded.
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Overview
Mingus Ah Um
No description available.
Specifications:
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Features some of the most celebrated jazz compositions of the 20th century on a single disc
- Mingus's arrangements showcase a remarkable blend of blues, gospel, and avant-garde jazz
- The ensemble performances are tight yet expressive, with standout contributions from each musician
- Excellent entry point for listeners new to Charles Mingus or jazz bass-led ensembles
- Remastered CD audio offers clean, detailed playback of the original 1959 recordings
👎 Cons
- Some reissues omit bonus alternate takes that appear on other editions of the same album
- The CD jewel case format is fragile and prone to cracking during shipping
- No liner notes or supplementary material in every pressing, which varies by edition
- The original mix reflects 1959 recording technology, so audiophiles may notice limited stereo separation
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Mingus Ah Um?
It is a jazz album, blending hard bop, blues, gospel, and free jazz elements. Despite being categorized under Classical in some stores, it is firmly a jazz recording.
When was Mingus Ah Um originally released?
The album was originally recorded in 1959 and released on Columbia Records, making it one of the landmark jazz recordings from that pivotal year.
What are the standout tracks on this album?
Notable tracks include "Better Git It in Your Soul," "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" (a tribute to Lester Young), and "Fables of Faubus," each showcasing Mingus's compositional range and emotional depth.
Is this the original track listing or a reissue with bonus tracks?
Track listings can vary by edition. Some reissues include alternate takes and tracks that were cut from the original vinyl release, so check the specific disc's track listing to confirm.
What format is this product?
This is a CD release on the Sony label.
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