Bass virtuoso and composer Charles Mingus cut a singular swath across jazz by simultaneously embracing the traditions of Ellington and bebop, as well as using players like Eric Dolphy, who were part of the emerging avant-garde. One of his most swingin’, soulful, and best, the album draws inspiration from early jazz, gospel, blues, and folk music. True to form, Mingus drives each tune with a muscular sense of swing, fiery solos, and, on occasion, emotive vocal exhortation.