Charles Mingus – Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus (LP)

Say it as many times as you’d like: one of Charles Mingus’ last great works as a bandleader is a must-hear, no matter how familiar you are with his extraordinary songbook.

1964’s Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus, released on the Impulse! label, featured the beloved bassist leading a series of brass-heavy ensembles through some of the most notable works he’d written to date, including the standard “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” (retitled “Theme for Lester Young”) and “Better Get Hit in Yo’ Soul.”

These remarkable reinterpretations helped bolster Mingus’ influence as the decades wore on, with artists like Joni Mitchell dedicating whole tributes to his work near the end of his career.