Charles Mingus - Reincarnations

 The music Charles Mingus and his group recorded during his 1960 sessions for Candid Records produced three of the eras most revered jazz albums. Reincarnations is a new masterpiece thoughtfully compiled from rare material from those sessions, standing tall in the Mingus catalog.

The songs in this collection are more experimental than their original versions, embodying the freedom Mingus prioritized. By the time he recorded these sessions with Candid's A&R head Nate Hentoff, Mingus had established himself as a progressive improviser and bandleadera rarity for bassists. He was a commanding presence, both musically and visually, pushing boundaries as a forefather of avant-garde jazz. Despite already being a cornerstone of experimental sound, Mingus still had more to prove and more norms to challenge.

This collection features a reimagined, celebratory take on "Reincarnations of a Lovebird," and a dynamic, fast-paced version of Body and Soul where Dolphy's screeching solos and Knepper's moaning trombone re-energize the classic ballad. Other highlights include Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams, featuring Roy Eldridge and Jo Jones, and Vassarlean, a dreamlike, sentimental piece. Richmond's nine-minute solo Melody From The Drums uses tempo shifts and chanting to create a festive atmosphere.

Without label constraints, Mingus's independence shines through, offering a blueprint for artistic freedom. Featuring new liner notes by esteemed New York Times music journalist, and author Marcus J. Moore.