Charles Mingus - Astral Weeks (1990)

The Charles Mingus sextet of 1964 was arguably the bassist's finest group, featuring the remarkable Eric Dolphy on alto, bass clarinet and flute, tenor-saxophonist Clifford Jordan, trumpeter Johnny Coles, pianist Jaki Byard, drummer Dannie Richmond and the bassist/leader. Their European tour was well documented with many radio broadcasts later released on CD. This particular set has long versions of "Meditations on Integration" and "Fables of Faubus"; although the latter is nearly 34 minutes long, its episodic and unpredictable nature and colorful solos hold one's interest throughout. All of the group's recordings are quite exciting and this Italian import is a good place to start in exploring this important band's innovative music.