Mingus Ah Um

Mingus is always worth the listen

So good it made me melt.

Black Saint was one of the best things to show up on the original list, and this is one of the best things to show up here. Mingus GOATed.

The gospel-tinged shouting in the background of the first track, the explosions of joy on the horns, the constant underlying boogie throughout that reaches heights as easily as it does depths--all this starts this amazing jazz album off with an unforgettable beginning. The whole album alternates pretty consistently between smooth 'n lazy and jumping 'n energetic. From beginning to end, this album feels like the stages of an all-night party.

Absolutely stellar album. Definately one that deserved to be featured in the original 1001. Thanks for the recommendation.

Favourite songs: Boogie Stop Shuffle, Better Get Hit in Your Soul, Bird Calls, Pussy Cat Dues

Least favourite songs: Self-Portrait in Three Colours

4/5

I don’t know enough about jazz to explain why I like this, but I really like this! Only thing stopping it getting full marks is that I love lyrics - even a couple of songs with words would have elevated it even further. I am aware that this is a bit petty, but it's my review!
This album would perhaps have to take the place of something similar to get in the book, but it's certainly worthy of consideration.

I think I liked this one a little more than the Mingus album we had on the original list, I felt it was more accessible.

But I did not finish the original list and think "You know what we need? More jazz."

Yes one of my top 5 all time jazz albums. A clear omission for the original list.