Charles Mingus Mingus Dynasty on Limited Edition 180g LP from ORG Music  

Mingus Dynasty, like its predecessor and Columbia companion Mingus Ah Um, was recorded in 1959, a watershed year for the insuperable, eruptive bassist-composer Charles Mingus. Leading what amounted to a repertory company comprising some of New York's best and most creative improvisers, Mingus musically challenged two ensembles as they'd never been challenged before. 

The music herein remains as arresting as the LP's original cover photograph of a mock-imperious Mingus in full Chinese emperor regalia was eye-catching. There are familiar Mingus themes with the mercurial artist honoring two generations of Ellington, his idol, Duke (whose "Mood Indigo" contains a virtuosic bass solo) and the maestro's son, Mercer ("Things Ain't What They Used To Be"). 

There are also a pair of fiery gospel-and-blues originals - "Slop" and "Gunslinging Bird" - in the driving 6/8 time that was Mingus' personal property. And there are complex pieces such as "Far Wells, Mill Valley" and "Diane," which after an atonal beginning, opens like a flower to yield one of Mingus' most touching themes.

The collective personal would be hard to beat in 1959, or any other year; Don Ellis and Richard Williams (trumpets); Jimmy Knepper (trombone); Booker Ervin, John Handy, Benny Golson and Jerome Richardson (reeds); Roland Hanna (piano); Teddy Charles (vibes); and Dannie Richmond (drums); while production comes from Teo Macero. 

Charles Mingus (bass)

Don Ellis / Richard Williams (trumpets)

Jimmy Knepper (trombone)

Booker Ervin / John Handy / Benny Golson / Jerome Richardson (saxophone)

Roland Hanna (piano)

Teddy Charles (vibraphone)

Dannie Richmond (drums)

• 180g audiophile vinyl pressing from ORG Music 

• Mastered from original analog tapes by Bernie Grundman

• Limited edition of only 2000 copies 

• Pressed at Pallas Group in Germany

• Featuring liner notes from Charles Mingus himself

1. Slop   

2. Diane  

3. Song With Orange 

4. Gunslinging Bird 

5. Things Ain’t What They Used To Be   

6. Far Wells Mill Valley  

7. New Now Know How  

8. Mood Indigo  

9. Put Me In The Dungeon