A classic session of modernist jazz – and some of Mingus most groundbreaking early work! The album was recorded for Savoy with 2 different groups – one's got Mingus leading John LaPorta on alto, Teo Macero on tenor, and Mal Waldron on piano, and the other group's a quartet with Macero, Kenny Clarke, and Wally Cirillo. The set marks a strong shift for Mingus – into tightly composed tracks that arc out in complex lines, hinting at the ferocity of later years – and it offers a showcase for a strong set of soloists carefully picked to match Mingus' rich vision. Titles include "Gregarian Chant", "Rose Geranium", "Purple Heart", "Transeason", "Smog L.A.", and "Level Seven". CD also features one bonus track not on the original LP – a previously unissued version of "Body & Soul" cut during the same sessions! CD

A classic session of modernist jazz – and some of Mingus most groundbreaking early work! The album was recorded for Savoy with 2 different groups – one's got Mingus leading John LaPorta on alto, Teo Macero on tenor, and Mal Waldron on piano, and the other group's a quartet with Macero, Kenny Clarke, and Wally Cirillo. The set marks a strong shift for Mingus – into tightly composed tracks that arc out in complex lines, hinting at the ferocity of later years – and it offers a showcase for a strong set of soloists carefully picked to match Mingus' rich vision. Titles include "Gregarian Chant", "Rose Geranium", "Purple Heart", "Transeason", "Smog L.A.", and "Level Seven". CD also features one bonus track not on the original LP – a previously unissued version of "Body & Soul" cut during the same sessions! CD

A classic session of modernist jazz – and some of Mingus most groundbreaking early work! The album was recorded for Savoy with 2 different groups – one's got Mingus leading John LaPorta on alto, Teo Macero on tenor, and Mal Waldron on piano, and the other group's a quartet with Macero, Kenny Clarke, and Wally Cirillo. The set marks a strong shift for Mingus – into tightly composed tracks that arc out in complex lines, hinting at the ferocity of later years – and it offers a showcase for a strong set of soloists carefully picked to match Mingus' rich vision. Titles include "Gregarian Chant", "Rose Geranium", "Purple Heart", "Transeason", "Smog L.A.", and "Level Seven". CD also features one bonus track not on the original LP – a previously unissued version of "Body & Soul" cut during the same sessions! CD