Charles Mingus - At The Bohemia - 1955 (1990)

Product Description: A live performance at the Club Bohemia in New York, this is the first Mingus recording to feature mostly his own compositions. Some are his future standards. Here are his first attempts at future techniques such as combining two songs into one. His bass playing really stands out.
Recorded live at Cafe Bohemia, New York, New York on December 23, 1955. Originally released on Debut (123).

Review: Struggling with the rigors of owning and operating a record company, Charles Mingus was hard pressed to squeeze a substantial profit from his works. His little record label Debut was a dream come true, allowing Mingus creative control.
Up until about the time of this album, Mingus was yet to fully blossom as a bandleader. His method of direction changed from having his band members read music off of the paper, to a freer, improv approach. This opened his music immensely.
It is apparent on this album that Mingus was in full hard bop swing. "Jump Monk" is a furiously swinging tune with a catchy theme. "Work Song" is another hard driver, with a nimble, cerebral rhythm.
This is among the best early period Mingus available. Also included in the extensive 12 disk Debut Box with extra tracks from this same date.