Charles Mingus

• PRESSED ON 180 GRAM BLUE COLOURED VINYL

• 5 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Recorded in New York in 1957 (though not released until 1962), 'Tijuana Moods' was, according to Mingus himself, "the best album i ever made."

The music is a vigorous stew of Mexican rhythms and sophisticated post-Ellington arrangements, further invigorated by the soloing of trumpeter Clarence Shaw, trombonist Jimmy Knepper, and, particularly, saxophonist Shafi Hadi. Mingus's vision of Tijuana was clearly sensual, the music evoking strippers, frenetic street scenes, and heart-broken lovers.

Making use of suite like thematic material and various forms of counterpoint, the group sounds much larger than it is, and points toward Mingus's later experiments with form. the bristling sound and spirit of the music, however, are its primary attractions - a remarkable place where Mexican fantasy and hard bop meet.

PERSONNEL:

• Charlie Mingus - (bass, leader)
• Jimmy Knepper - (trombone)
• Curtis Porter - (alto sax)
• Clarence Shaw - (trumpet)
• Bill Triglia - (piano)
• Danny Richmond - (drums)
• Frank Dunlop - (percussion)
• Ysabel Morel - (castanets)v
• Lonnie Elder - (vocals)

Recorded July 18 and August 6, 1957

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Dizzy Moods
• A2. Ysabel's Table Dance

• SIDE B
• B1. Tijuana Gift Shop
• B2. Los Mariachis (The Street Musicians)
• B3. Flamingo