Charles Mingus: Hora Decubitus

Mingus was at the peak of his powers in 1963. First he set down his long-form masterpiece, The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady. Next he recorded an album of introspective piano sketches. Then he entered the studio with a 12-piece band to explore his back catalogue, including Hora Decubitus (which had originally appeared on Blues and Roots as Es Flat and Ahs Flat, Too). Where the years earlier accomplishments were grave, this track is simply exuberant. Taken up-tempo, Mingus rechristens Es Flat as a crisp swing burner, with blues riffs piled on in rounds. The bass introduction, with its sliding octave leaps, is a key document of his command and technique. Dolphys insolent solo is priceless.