Passions of a Man: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1956-1961)

The set highlights the appearance of sidemen who could participate fully in Mingus's visionary work, including trombonist Jimmy Knepper and drummer Dannie Richmond. The multi-reed player Eric Dolphy was unquestionably his greatest collaborator, and the two could engage in startlingly speechlike instrumental conversations. The live recordings from the 1960 Antibes Jazz Festival present what may well have been Mingus's greatest band, with Dolphy's leaping, skittering, free-jazz virtuosity effectively contrasted with Booker Ervin's booting, full-toned tenor on charging, gospel-infused pieces such as "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting" and "Better Git It in Your Soul." The final Atlantic session presents another change in direction, with Mingus switching to piano and singing some manic blues in the company of Roland Kirk, another musician well attuned to Mingus's always complex aims. The final CD consists of a revealing interview with Mingus discussing his work. Like the 1959 Columbia recordings and some of the later Impulse material, this is essential Mingus. --Stuart Broomer