Charles Mingus: Moanin'

Unlike Bobby Timmons' righteous "Moanin'" recorded the previous year by The Jazz Messengers, Mingus's "Moanin'" is terrifying. Baritonist Adams's deep burps evoke a prehistoric beast who's just devoured some unsuspecting caveman. As a bandleader, presiding over an ensemble that frequently verges on chaos, Mingus is always in control. As a composer, his range is astounding. He could effortlessly segue from bebop to gospel to flamenco, then from scathing protests vilifying all-American heels such as Faubus to happy homages venerating African-American heroes such as Jelly Roll Morton. "Moanin'" is an investigation of danger by a uniquely qualified artist. By any measure, indispensable.